^Ih  —  lt 


) 


THE 

HISTORY 

OF    OUR 

BLESSED  LORD  AND  SAVIOUR 

JESUS  CHRIST : 

WITH 

The  Lives  of  the  Holy  Apostles,  and  their  Successors 
for  three  hundred  years  after  the  crucifixion. 

BY  THOMPSON  AND  PRICE. 


'  THE 

HISTORY 

OF  OUR 

BLESSED  LORD  AND  SAVIOUR 

JESUS  CHRIST: 

WITH   THE 

LIVES  OF  THE  HOLY  APOSTLES, 

AND   THEIR   SUCCESSORS   FOR   THREE   HUNDRED   YEARI 
AFTER    THE    CRUCIFIXION. 


/ 


BV  E3ENEZER'THOMPSON,  D.  D.    AND  WILLIAM  C.  PRICE,  L.  L«  D» 

IN    TWO    VOLUMES. 
VOL.  II. 


PUBLISHED    BY 
THE    REV.   WILLIAM    PRYCE,   MARKET-STREET, 

WILMINGTON. 


Bamaland  Nilet,  PrinUrt>,. „1%0S» 


THE    COMPLETE 

HISTORY 

OF    THE 

LIFE    AND    DEATH 

OF    OUR 

BLESSED  SAVIOUR  ; 

WITH    THE 

LIVES,  TRANSACTIONS,  AND  SUFFERINGS  OF 
HIS  HOLY  APOSTLES. 


CHAP.     XXXI. 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  feast  of  dedication^  Jesus 
returns  into  Galilee^  followed  by  a  great  concourse 
of  people.     Jesus  declares  divorce  to  be  unlawful ; 
and  mentions  why  it  %\) as  permitted  by  Moses.    His 
explanation  of  what  he  had  said.  Our  Sai^iour  re- 
ceives^  and  blesses  little  infants.     He  replies  to  a 
young  man,  who  enquired  the  way  to  eternal  life. 
Riches  an  obstruction  in  the  pursuit  of  happiness. 
Jesus  promises  to  reward  his  apostles.  A  simili- 
tude of  a  man  hiring  people  to  labor  i?i  his  "cine- 
yard.     Lazarus  of  Bethany  is  seized  with  a  'vio- 
lent  illnesSy  and   Jesus    informed  of  that  event. 
He  informs  his  disciples   that  Lazarus  is  dead. 
Jesus  repairs  to  Bethany,  where  he  is  met  by  Mar- 
tha, Mary,  and  a  number  of  the  Jews.     Our  Sa- 
viour weeps.     The  resurrection    of  Lazarus.     A 
consultation  in  the  Sanhedrim.     The  prophetical 


6  THE    HISTORY    OV 

opbiion  of  Caiaphas  the  high  priest.  The  Sanhe- 
drim resohe  to  put  Jesus  to  death  ;  in  consequence 
of  'which^  he  retires  towards  the  ivilderness  of  Je- 
richo. 

i  HE  feast  of  dedication  being  concluded,  our  bles- 
sed Saviour  departed  from  Jerusalem,  and  repaired 
into  Galilee,  where,  however,  he  remained  but  a  short 
time,  on  account  of  the  country  being  still  under  the 
government  of  Herod.  Our  Lord  directed  his  course 
towards  the  confines  of  Judea,  passing  through  that 
part  of  the  country,  situated  near  the  banks  of  the 
river  Jordan  ;  and  in  the  beginning  of  the  fourth  year 
of  his  ministf}',  he  took  up  his  residence  at  the  place 
where  John  first  baptized  penitents. 

While  he  remained  at  this  place,  vast  numbers  of 
people  resorted  to  Jesus,  who  continued  to  instruct 
the  people  in  the  laws  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven, 
and  to  relieve  all  the  sick  that  were  presented  to  him. 
Several  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  country 
where  Jesus  now  resided,  had  seen  John  perform  the 
the  ceremony  of  baptism,  and  heard  his  discourses  ; 
and  thcv  acknowledged,  that  many  of  his  predictions 
concerning  Jesus  had  been  fulfilled. 

Several  of  the  Pharisees  knowing  that  Jesus  had 
declared  himself  an  enemy  to  divorce,  which  was  at 
that  time  very  frequent  among  the  Jews,  and  being 
desirous  of  extorting  from  him  some  reply  that  they 
could  use  as  the  means  of  inflaming  the  enmity  of  the 
people  against  him,  they  proposed  to  him  the  following 
question  ;  Is  it  lawful  for  men  to  repudiate  their  wives 
on  slight  occasions  ?  Hereupon  our  Lord  said,  they 
were  not  ignorant  that  God  created  one  of  each  sex, 
and  transmitted  to  their  posterity  a  law  purporting, 
that,  as  the  two  persons  were  formed  out  of  one  sub- 


OUl?     BLESSED    SAVIOU«.  7 

Stance,  husband  and  wife  ought  to  live  together  in  a 
state  of  the  strictest  union  :  theretbre,  those  v.honi 
God  had  so  nearly  allied,  could  not  be  separated  with- 
out a  violation  of  the  original  law.  He  also  said, 
that  they  were  guilty  of  sin,  who  declared  that  it  w  as 
lawful  for  a  man  to  be  divorced  from  his  wife. 

The  Pharisees  now  observed,  that  it  was,  according 
to  Moses,  lawful  for  a  man  to  part  from  his  wife,  provid- 
e^l  he  gave  her  a  certilicateof  the  divorce.  Hereupon 
our  Lord  said,  that  though,  on  account  of  their  insatia- 
ble  lusts,  and  the  hardness  of  their  hearts,  Moses  had 
permitted  them  to  put  away  their  wives  ;  yet  arbitrary 
and  unlimitted  divorces,  were  contrary  to  the  original 
institution  of  God  ;  as  they  were  not  permitted  in  the 
state  of  innocence,  so  he  positively  prohibited  them 
under  the  gospel  dispensation.  '^  The  Pharisees  also 
**  came  unto  him,  tempting  him,  and  saying  unto  him, 
"  Is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to  put  a^vay  his  wife  for  every 
**  cause  ?  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Have 
*'  ye  not  read,  that  he  which  made  them  at  the  begin- 
*'  ning,  made  them  male  and  female  ?  And  said.  For 
"  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father  and  mother,  and 
*^  shall  cleave  to  his  wife,  and  they  twain  shall  be  one 
"  flesh.  Wherefore  they  are  no  more  twain,  but  one 
*'  flesh.  What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together, 
"  let  no  man  put  asunder.  They  say  unto  him.  Why 
"  did  Moses  then  command  to  give  a  writing  of  di- 
*'  vorcement,  and  to  put  her  away  ?  He  saith  unto 
"  them,  Moses,  because  of  the  hardness  of  your  hearts, 
"  suffered  you  to  put  away  your  wives  :  but  from  the 
"  beginning  it  was  not  so.  And  I  say  unto  you,  Who- 
"  soever  shall  put  away  his  wife,  except  it  be  for  for- 
"  nication,  and  shall  marry  another,  committeth  adul 
"  tery  :  and  whoso  marrieth  her  which  is  put  away, 
"  doth  commit  adultery."  Matt.  xix.  3,  &c. 

Though  our  Saviour  had  twice  before  made  a  pub- 


S  THE    HISTORY    OF 

lie  declaration  of  his  sentiments  on  the  subject  of  di- 
vorcements, yet  they  were  surprised  at  their  master's 
decision.  They  remained  silent,  however,  because 
the  Pharisees  were  present  ;  but  upon  die  return  of 
Jesus  to  his  place  of  habitation,  they  requested  that  he 
would  inform  them  of  the  reasons  on  which  he  had 
founded  his  determination.  "•  And  in  the  house,  his 
*^  disciples  asked  him  aj2:ain  of  the  same  matter  ; 
"  and  he  saith  unto  them,  Whosoever  shall  put  away 
"  his  wife,  and  many  another,  committeth  adultery  a- 
"  gainst  her.  And  if  a  woman  shall  put  away  her  hus- 
"  band  and  be  married  to  another,  she  committeth 
"  adultery."  Mark.   x.   10,  &c. 

The  apostles,  who  had  been  educated  in  the  princi- 
ples of  Judaism,  observed  to  Jesus,  that  from  the  de- 
cision he  had  pronounced,  they  *  conceived  a  state  of 
celibacy  to  be  more  eligible  than  that  of  marriage. 
Upon  this,  our  Lord  reminded  them,  that  without  the 
especial  assistance  of  the  Almighty,  it  was  not  in  the 
power  of  every  man  to  preserve  his  chastity  in  a  single 
state  ;  and  that  marriage  was  therefore  necessary,  it 
being  the  most  effectual  means  of  restraining  inor- 
dinate desire.  He  added,  that  men  whose  passions 
were  so  temperate  as  to  permit  them  to  preserve 
their  chastity  in  a  state  of  celibacy,  were,  at  their  own 
discretion,  either  to  contract  matrimony,  or  remain 
single. 

Divorcements  were  common  among  the  Jews  ;  and 
they  were  found  greatly  to  promote  family  dissenti- 
ons,  and  to  be  an  impediment  to  the  proper  education 
of  children  ;  and  therefore,  our  Saviour's  prohibition 
tended  to  promote  the  welfare  of  society. 

*  From  this  inference,  the  prohibition  appears  to  extend  to  polygamy, 
since  tliey  might  have  had  a  remedy  in  marrying  more  than  one  wo- 
man. 


OUR    BLKSSED    SAVIOUll.  9 

The  innumerable  cures   that  Jesus  had  performed 
in  divers  places,  inspired  the  people  with  an  opinion, 
that  he  had  the  power  of  preventing,  as  well  as  of  re- 
moving bodily  aiRictions  ;   and  therefore  they  brought 
their  children  to  him,  requesting  that  he  would   lay 
his  hands  on,  and  bless   them.     The  apostles,  con- 
ceiving that  the  people   were  giving  their  Master  un- 
necessary trouble,  rebuked,  and  ordered  them  to  de- 
part :   but  Christ  repeated  to  them  an  admonition,  to 
which  they  had  not  paid  due  attention.     Do  not  pre- 
vent, said  our  Lord,  these  little  children  from  being 
brought  to  me  :   and  I   am  now  to   recal    to  your  re- 
collection, that  those  men  only,  who  in  their  disposi- 
tions resemble  the  innocence  and  simplicity  of  these 
babes,  shall  be  permitted  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  the 
kingdom  of    heaven.      '^  And   they    brought  young 
"  children  to  him,  that  lie  should  touch  them ;   and 
"  his  disciples  rebuked  those   that  brought  them. — 
"  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,   he  was  much   displeased, 
"  and  said  unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come 
*'  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not  ;   for  of  such  is  the 
"  kingdom  of  God.     Verily,  I  say  unto  you,   Who- 
"  soever  shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a 
*'  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein.    And  he  took 
'*■  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his  hands  upon  them,  and 
"blessed  them."     Mark  x.  13,  &c. 

Our  Saviour  now  proceeded  by  the  way  of  Jericho 
towards  Jerusalem,  On  his  journey  he  was  accosted 
by  a  young  man  who  was  of  a  noble  family,  and  one 
of  the  members  of  the  Sanhedrim,  and  who  kneeling 
before  him,  applied  to  him  the  epithet  of  good  Mas- 
ter, and  enquired  of  him,  what  means  he  should  pur- 
sue to  obtain  eternal  life.  Though  this  young  man, 
in  the  levity  of  his  disposition,  pretended  to  venerate 
our  blessed  Redeemer,  his  motive  was  merely  to  ri- 
dicule him  :  but  his  design  could  not  escape  the  pe- 
netration of  Jesus,  notwithstanding  his  artful  and  hy- 

VOL.     II.  B 


10  THE    HISTORY    OF 

pocritical  address  ;  and  therefore,  previous  to  answer- 
ing his  question,  he  reproved  his  vanity  and  inso- 
lence. He  asked,  why  he  had  called  him  good  Mas- 
ter, saying,  there  was  only  one  good,  and  that  was 
God.  "  And  when  he  was  gone  forth  into  the  way, 
"  there  came  one  running  and  kneeled  to  him,  and 
*'  asked  him,  Good  Master,  what  shall  I  do  to  inherit 
"  eternal  life  ?  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Why  cal- 
*'  lest  thou  me  good  ?  there  is  none  good  but  one,  that 
*'  is  God."  Luke  xviii.  8,  9. 

By  the  above  words,  our  Lord  implied,  that  the 
man  had  given  him  an  appellation  which  was  not  ap- 
plied to  the  most  celebrated  of  the  rabbles  ;  asking, 
whether  he  imagined  he  partook  of  the  divine  na- 
ture, and  instructing  him  that  he  ought  to  believe 
the  Father  dwelt  in  him,  if  he  supposed  the  title  he 
had  given  him  to  be  properly  applied. 

To  confirm  this  interpretation,  it  is  necessary  to  ob- 
serve, that  in  preaching  to  the  Jews,  our  Saviour  assert- 
ed, that  he  was  a  prophet  appointed  by  the  Almighty, 
and  that  he  had  afforded  them  the  most  incontestible 
evidence  of  the  divinity  of  his  commission,  in  the 
miracles  he  had  wrought  by  the  power  delegated  to 
him  by  his  heavenly  Father,  whence  it  was  evident 
that  God  and  he  were  one.  "  That  ye  may  know  and 
*'  believe,  that  the  Father  is  in  me,  and  I  him." — 
John  X.  38.  In  consequence  of  this  declaration,  the 
Jews  had  pronounced  him  guilty  of  blasphemy. — 
Therefore  it  was  with  much  propriety  that  the  Son  of 
God  asked  the  man,  why  he  called  him  good  Master, 
unless  he  believed  him  to  be  a  teacher  sent  from  God. 
You  cannot,  said  Jesus,  acknowledge  me  as  a  pro- 
phet appointed  by  the  Almighty,  unless  you  judge 
of  me  from  my  works,  by  which  I  have  proved  that 
I  partake  with  the  Almighty  in  the  title  of  good. 


OUK    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  11 

But  with  his  usual  condescension,  our  Lord  answer- 
ed the  question  proposed  by  the  young  man,  inform- 
ing him,  that  as  the  means  of  attaining  to  a  state  of 
everlasting  happiness,  he  must  strictly  conform  to  all 
the  precepts  of  the  moral  law.  "  If  thou  wilt  enter 
"  into  life,  keep  the  commandments.  He  saith  unto 
"  him,  Which  ;  Jesus  said.  Thou  shalt  do  no  mur- 
"  der ;  thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery ;  thou  shalt 
'*  not  steal ;  thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  :  ho- 
*'  nor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  and  thou  shalt 
""  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  The  young  man  saith 
"  unto  him,  All  these  things  have  I  kept  from  my 
"  youth  up  :  what  lack  I  yet  ?  Jesus  said  unto  him, 
"  If  thou  wilt  be  perfect,  go,  and  sell  that  thou  hast, 
*'  and  give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure 
"  in  heaven:  and  come  and  follow  me."  Matt.  xix. 
17,  &c. 

It  is  probable,  that  this  young  man  had  complied 
with  the  above  commandments,  in  the  imperfect  man- 
ner prescribed  by  the  doctors  and  interpreters  of  the 
law.  But  he  was  by  no  means  a  person  who  entertain- 
ed a  due  veneration  towards  the  Almighty,  however 
plausible  the  character  he  had  supported.  He  was 
possessed  of  great  wealth,  which  he  rendered  subser- 
vient to  the  gratification  of  his  sensual  appetites.  So 
attached  was  he  to  these  indulgences,  that  he  express- 
ed much  concern,  when  our  blessed  Redeemer  re- 
commended him  to  apply  his  riches  to  charitable  pur- 
poses, as  one  means  of  rendering  himself  worthy  to 
be  employed  in  the  honorable  office  of  proclaiming 
the  happy  tidings  of  salvation  to  the  children  of  wick- 
ed men.  *'  But  when  the  young  man  had  heard  that 
"  saying,  he  went  away  sorrowful  ;  for  he  had  great 
"  possessions."  Matt.   xix.   22. 

Our  Lord  improved  this  instance  of  the  pernicious 
influence  of  riches,  by  cautioning  his  disciples  against 


12  THE    HISTORY    OF 

employing  their  attention  upon  acquisitions  which 
li.id  so  dangerous  a  tendency.  •'  Verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
'■'  that  a  rich  man  shall  hardlv  enter  into  the  kinsidom 
*'  of  heaven.  And  again  I  say  unto  you,  It  is  easier 
**  for  a  '^-  camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle, 
"  than  for  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
"  God.  When  his  disciples  heard  it,  they  were  ex- 
"  ceedingly  amazed,  saying,  Who  then  can  be  saved  ? 
'^  But  Jesus  beheld  them,  and  &aid  unto  them,  With 
"  men  this  is  impossible,  but  with  God  all  things 
"  are  possible."  Matt.  xix.  23,  &c.  Riches  are  a 
temptation  to  the  indulgence  of  sensuality,  and  are  in 
no  respect  necessary  to  procure  an  admission  into  the 
regions  of  bliss.  Men  who  are  not  assisted  by  the 
grace  of  God,  cannot  possibly  enjoy  the  rewards  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  :  but  by  the  influence  of  the 
divine  grace,  which  the  Almighty  never  withholds 
from  those  who  seriously  endeavor  to  obtain  it,  they 
may  be  qualified  to  enjoy  the  blessing?  of  eternity. 

What  Jesus  had  said,  was  by  no  means  satisfacto- 
ry to  his  disciples  ;  who  redected,  that  men  were  na- 
turally desirous  of  acquiring  wealth,  and  had  long  flat- 
tered themselves  in  the  expectation  of  the  honors  and 
enioluments  that  would  be  conferred  upon  them,  when 
their  Master's  kingdom  should  be  fully  established. 
Peter  appears  to  have  been  particularly  disappointed ; 
for  he  observed  to  Jesus,  that  he  and  the  rest  of  the 
apostles  had  actually  complied  with  the  injunctions 
which  the  young  man  had  rejected  ;  they  had  de- 
serted their  families  and  friends,  and  relinquished  all 
their  temporal  possessions  and  pursuits,  in  order  that 
they  might  the  more  effectually  promulgate  the  prin- 
ciples of  his  gospel ;  therefore,  in  the  name  of  him- 
self and  his  brethren,  he  requested  to  be  informed  of 
what  rewards  they  were  to  expect  for  their  perfect  obe- 

*  Some  read  cable-rope,  wiiich  certainlv  corresponds  better  with 
the  idea  of  passinjr  throvl2,h  tlic  eve  of  a  needle. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUK.  13^ 

bedience  to  his  commands.  In  reply  to  Peter's  ques- 
tion, our  Lord  said,  that  immediately  after  his  resur- 
rection, they  should  be  advanced  to  the  honor  ofjudg- 
ing  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel  ;  intimating  by  these 
words,  that  they  should  govern  the  Christian  church, 
which  they  were  already  authorised  to  establish  in 
the  different  quarters  of  the  globe.  "  Then  answcr- 
"  ed  Peter,  and  said  unto  him,  Behold,  we  have  for- 
*'  saken  all,  and  followed  thee  :  what  shall  we  have 
**  therefore  ?  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily,  I 
'*  say  unto  you,  that  ye  which  have  followed  me  in 
"  the  regeneration,  when  the  Son  of  man  shall  sit  on 
"  the  throne  of  his  glory,  ye  also  shall  sit  upon  twelve 
"  thrones,  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel."  Matt, 
xix.  27,  28,  29. 

Having  thus  replied  to  Peter,  our  blessed  Saviour 
mentioned  the  rewards  which  his  other  disciples  should 
experience,  both  in  this  life,  and  in  futurity.  Those 
who  have  abandoned  their  relations,  friends,  and  all 
the  enjoyments  of  this  world,  in  order  to  conform  to 
my  laws,  shall  be  amply  recompensed  for  their  obe- 
dience :  divine  providence  shall  supply  them  with 
every  thing  necessary  to  their  eternal  happiness  ;  and, 
notwithstanding  the  mortifications  they  should  endure 
in  this  life,  they  should  after  death  be  transported  to 
the  regions  of  uninterrupted  and  perpetual  bliss. — 
"  And  every  one  that  hath  forsaken  houses,  or  bre- 
"  thren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or 
"  children,  or  lands,  for  my  name's  sake,  shall  receive 
"  an  hundred-fold,  and  shall  inherit  everlasting  life. 
"  But  many  that  are  first  shall  be  last,  and  the  last 
'*  shall  be  first."  Matt.  xix.  29,  30.  To  animate 
his  followers  to  increase  their  faith,  and  continue  to 
employ  themselves  in  good  works,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  intimate  to  them,  that  although  the  gospel 
was  first  preached  to  the  Jews,  the  blessings  of  hea- 
ven should  not  be  confined  to  those  people  alone,  but 


14  THE    HISTORY    OF 

be  extended  to  the  Gentiles ;  who,  although  they 
received  the  gospel  dispensation  at  a  later  period, 
should,  in  process  of  time,  greatly  exceed  the  Jews 
in  righteousness,  our  Saviour  delivered  the  following 
parable. 

A  *  housholder  went  early  in  the  morning  to  the 
market-place,  where  laborers  were  accustomed  to 
wait,  in  expectation  of  being  called  into  employment, 
to  hire  people  to  cultivate  his  vineyard  ;  and  having 
engaged  several  men  to  work  for  him  nt  the  rate  of 
one  penny  per  day,  he  sent  them  into  his  vineyard. 
About  the  third  hour,  he  again  went  to  the  market- 
place, and  seeing  other  men  waiting  there  for  em- 
ployment, ordered  them  also  to  go  into  his  vineyard  ; 
but  without  making  any  conditions,  and  only  saying, 
that  he  would  pay  them  what  they  should  deserve. 
About  the  sixth  and  the  ninth  hour,  he  engaged  other 
laborers  in  the  same  manner.  About  the  eleventh  hour 
he  went  to  the  market-place  a  fourth  time,  and  asked 
some  men,  why  they  remained  idle  ?  They  said,  that 
though  the  day  was  expired  within  a  single  hour,  they 
had  not  been  so  fortunate  as  to  procure  any  employ- 
ment. Hereupon,  he  ordered  these  men  also  into  the 
vineyard,  saying,  that  he  would  satisfy  them  for  the 
work  they  should  perform.  *'  So  when  even  was  come, 
*'  the  lord  of  the  vine3'ard  saith  unto  his  steward,  Call 


*  A  narrative  bearing  an  evident  resemblance  to  this  similitude,  is 
conl:iined  in  tlie  Jerusalem  Talmud  ;  and  indeed,  many  of  our  Savi- 
our's parables  are  to  be  found  in  the  different  Jewish  books  ;  and  there- 
fore it  has  be:n  conjectured,  that  the  Jews  made  use  of  them  in  imita- 
tion of  Christ.  But,  when  it  is  considered,  that  the  Jews  bore  an  im- 
placable enmity  to  Christ,  and  that  Christ  took  almost  the  whole  of 
the  Lord's  prayer  from  the  Jewish  prayers,  and  also,  that  he  frequently 
introduced  Jewish  proverbs  into  his  discourses,  the  more  reasonable 
conclusion  muse  be,  that  he  spoke  a  parable  that  was  before  known 
among  the  Jews,  and  that  the\  afterwards  received  it  into  their  wri- 
iings  ;  and  so  of  the  other  Jewisli  parables  that  are  to  be  ibund  in  the 
New  'i'estament. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUH.  15 

*'  the  laborers, and  give  them  their  hire,  beginning  from 
*'  the  last  unto  the  first.  And  when  they  came  that  were 
"  hired  about  the  eleventh  hour,  they  received  every 
"  man  a  penny.  But  when  the  first  came,  they  sup- 
"  posed  that  they  should  have  received  more ;  and 
*'  they  likewise  received  every  man  a  penny.  And 
*'  when  they  had  received  it,  they  murmured  against 
"  the  good  man  of  the  house,  saying,  These  last  have 
*'  wrought  but  one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them 
''  equal  unto  us,  which  have  borne  the  burden  and 
*'  heat  of  the  day.  But  he  answered  one  of  them,  and 
*'  said.  Friend,  I  do  thee  no  wrong  :  didst  not  thoa 
"■  agree  with  me  for  a  penny  ?  Take  that  thine  is, 
"  and  go  thy  way  :  I  will  give  unto  this  last  even  as 
*'  unto  thee.  Is  it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  what  I  will 
*^  with  mine  own  ?  Is  thine  eye  evil,  because  1  am 
'*  good  ?  So  the  last  shall  be  first,  and  the  first  last;  for 
'*  many  be  called,  but  few  chosen."  Matt.  xx.  8, 
&c. 

The  interpretation  of  the  above  parable,  will  not 
be  attended  with  any  considerable  difficulty.  By  the 
vineyard,  is  represented  the  dispensation  of  the  gospel. 
The  laborers  whom  the  housholder  hired  in  the  morn- 
ing, are  descriptive  of  the  Jevv's,  who  were  the  early 
members  of  the  true  church,  and  enjoined  to  yield 
obedience  to  the  laws  of  Moses.  The  laborers  en- 
gaged about  the  third,  sixtli,  and  ninth  hours,  repre- 
sent the  Gentiles,  who  were  at  different  periods  con- 
verted by  the  interposition  of  the  divine  Providence. 
The  invitation  given  about  the  eleventh  hour,  implies 
those  persons  who  receive  the  dispensation  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  llic  decline  of  life.  By  the  law  of  Moses,  very 
severe  restrictions  were  imposed  upon  the  Jews  ;  and 
therefore,  it  was  strongly  represented  by  the  simili- 
tude of  the  laborers,  sustaining  the  fatigue  and  heat 
of  the  whole  day.  l^ut  as  the  reclaimed  Gentiles 
conformed  only  to  some  particular  precepts  of  the 


16  THE    HISTORY    OF 

law,  they  were  described  under  the  characters  of  the 
men  who  were  engaged  at  the  third,  sixth,  and  ninth 
hours.  The  heathens,  who  observed  no  other  law 
than  that  of  nature,  and  imagined  that  piety,  temper- 
ance, charity,  and  works  of  justice,  were  the  only 
duties  required  of  them,  were  typified  by  those  men 
who  were  employed  only  one  hour. 

Upon  the  close  of  the  day,  the  laborers  were  paid 
their  wages,  without  distinction  as  to  the  time  they 
had  been  respectively  employed  ;  and  thus  are  shewn 
the  glorious  advantages  and  privileges,  that  are  to  be 
derived  from  the  gospel  of  Christ.  The  Jews,  who 
had  complied  with  the  ceremonials  of  the  Mosaic  in- 
stitutions, complained,  when  they  diacovered  that  the 
Gentiles  were  to  enjoy  equal  privileges  with  them- 
selves, although  they  had  not  conformed  to  the  cere- 
monial worship. 

By  the  above  parable  our  Saviour  implied,  that  those 
people  who  in  distant  ages  should  conform  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  his  gospel,  should  be  equally  rewarded  with 
those  who  were  originally  employed  by  him  to  es- 
tablish the  christian  church. 

Having  delivered  the  above  discourses,  our  blessed 
Redeemer  received  a  message  from  Martha  and  Mary, 
at  whose  house,  in  the  town  of  Bethany,  Jesus  had 
formerly  resided,  purporting  that  their  brother  Laza- 
rus was  sick.  They  did  not  request  that  he  would 
hasten  to  his  relief,  for  since  he  had  cured  so  great  a 
number  of  strangers,  they  deemed  it  sufficient  to  in- 
timate to  him  their  distress ;  being  persuaded,  that 
he  would  not  refuse  assistance  to  their  brother  Laza- 
rus, for  whom  our  Lord  entertained  a  particular  es- 
teem. 

Upon  receiving  intelligence  of  the  indisposition  of 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  17" 

Lazarus,  our  Lord  said,  "  This  sickness  is  not  unto 
*'  death  ;"  adding,  that  it  would  prove  the  means  of 
rendering  the  power  of  God  more  conspicuous  ;  for 
in  the  restoration  of  Lazarus,  he  should  speedily  per- 
form an  astonishing  miracle.  After  this,  Jesus  re- 
mained two  days  in  that  part  of  the  country  beyond 
the  Jordan  where  he  was  preaching  the  gospel,  when 
he  was  informed  that  Lazarus  was  sick.  The  reason 
of  thib  delay  was,  that,  by  the  space  of  time  which 
was  to  elapse  between  the  decease  of  Lazarus  and 
his  resurrection,  no  room  should  be  afforded  for  sus- 
picion of  a  fraud  ;  and  that  he  should  plainly  mani- 
fest his  own  Almighty  power  in  recalling  him  to  life, 
after  it  should  be  publicly  known  that  he  was  dead, 
and  that  his  remains  were  deposited  in  the  sepulchre. 
It  is  true,  that  the  sisters  of  Lazarus  were  exceed- 
ingly  dibtressed,  because  Jesus  did  not  hasten  to  the 
lelicf  of  their  brother;  but  they  were  amply  com- 
pensated, when  he  was  restored  to  them  from  the 
dreary  mansions  of  the  grave,  by  the  divine  power  of 
our  blessed  Redeemer. 

Upon  the  expiration  of  two  days,  after  receiving 
the  message  from  Martha  and  Mary,  our  Lord  inform- 
ed his  disciples,  that  he  intended  to  return  into  Judea  : 
but  his  followers -endeavored  to  divert  him  from  this 
purpose ;  reminding  him  of  the  imminent  danger  to 
which  he  would  unavoidably  expose  his  life,  by  again 
going  among  those  people  who  had  industriously 
sought  occasions  of  stoning  him  to  death,  and  of  perpe- 
trating other  acts  of  violence  against  his  sacred  person. 
"  When  he  heard  therefore  that  he  was  sic^,  he  abode 
'*  two  days  still  in  the  same  place  where  he  was. 
"  Then  after  that,  saith  he  to  his  disciples.  Let  us  go 
"  into  Judea  again.  His  disciples  say  unto  him,  Mas- 
*'  ter,  the  Jews  of  late  sought  to  stone  thee  ;  and  go- 
"  est  thou  thither  again  ?  Jesus  answered.  Are  there 
'*  not  twelve  hours  in  a  day  ?  If  any  man  walk  in  the 

VOL.      II.  c 


18  THE   HISTORY    OF 

"  day,  he  stumbleth  not,  because  he  seeth  the  light  of 
*'  this  world.  But  if  a  man  walk  in  the  night,  he 
*'  stumbleth,  because  there  is  no  light  in  him."  John 
xi.  6,  &c.  As  during  the  day,  a  man  may  travel  with- 
out danger  of  falling,  because  he  enjoys  the  benefit 
of  the  light  of  the  sun  ;  so  during  the  period  in  which 
my  heavenly  Father  has  determined  to  protect  me 
from  the  insidious  artifices  and  violent  outrages  of  the 
Jews,  I  can  have  no  reason  to  harbor  apprehensions 
concerning  m.y  personal  safety  :  but  as  the  traveller  is 
in  danger  whan  he  pursues  his  journey,  surrounded 
by  the  darkness  of  the  night ;  so  not  till  the  time  when 
the  Almighty,  in  his  infinite  wisdom,  shall  judge  it 
proper  to  withdraw  his  protection  from  me,  and  when 
the  powers  of  wickedness  shall  be  without  restraint, 
will  it  be  necessary  for  me  to  dread  the  machinations 
of  my  enemies. 

Having  in  the  above  manner  recommended  them  to 
suppress  their  groundless  apprehensions,  and  repre- 
sented to  them  the  necessity  of  strengthening  their 
faith,  our  blessed  Saviour  said  to  them,  "  Our  friend 
"  Lazarus  sleepeth  :  but  I  go,  that  I  may  awake  him 
**  out  of  sleep."  Interpreting  what  Jesus  had  said  ac- 
cording to  the  literal  sense,  they  replied  that  if  he  slept, 
in  all  probability  the  malignity  of  his  distemper  had 
subsided,  and  therefore  it  might  be  expected,  that  he 
would  speedily  recover  his  usual  health.  At  the  same 
time  they  discovered  their  apprehensions  for  their 
Master's  safety,  by  saying,  that  it  would  be  unneces- 
sary for  him  to  go  intoJudea  merely  to  awaken  Lazarus 
from  his  sleep  ;  and  intimating,  that  he  would  be  per- 
fectly safe  by  remaining  in  his  present  situation  ; 
whereas  he  would  expose  himself  to  great  danger,  by 
venturing  among  the  people  who  had  shewn  such 
repeated  proofs  of  their  implacable  enmity  towards 
him. 


OUR     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  19 

Perceiving  that  his  apostles  had  mistaken  his  mean- 
ing, Jesus  informed  them,  in  explicit  terms,  that  La- 
zarus was  dead  ;  saying,  that  he  rejoiced  that  he  was 
not  at  Bethany  at  the  time  of  his  indisposition,  be- 
cause, upon  the  solicitation  of  his  sisters,  he  should 
have  restored  him  to  health  :  but  now  he  had  an  op- 
portunity of  giving  confirmation  to  their  faith  in  him 
as  the  Messiah,  by  convincing  them  that  he  deriv- 
ed his  authority  immediately  from  heaven,  by  making 
them  the  witnesses  of  his  power  of  bestowing  ani- 
mation upon  the  body  of  the  deceased.  "  Then 
"  said  his  disciples,  Lord,  if  he  sleep,  he  shall  do 
*••  well.  Howbtit,  Jesus  spake  of  his  death :  but 
"  they  thought  that  he  had  spoken  of  taking  of  rest 
"  in  sleep.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  plainly,  La- 
*'  zarus  is  dead.  And  I  am  glad  for  your  sakes, 
"  that  I  was  not  there  (to  the  intent  that  ye  may  be- 
"  lieve)  nevertheless,  let  us  go  unto  him."  John  xi. 
12,  Sec. 

Our  Lord  having  resolved  to  return  into  Judea, 
Thomas,  imagining  that  destruction  would  be  the  ine- 
vitable consequence  of  his  undertaking  this  journey, 
and  being  unwilling  to  desert  his  Master  in  a  time 
of  danger,  proposed  that  he  and  the  other  apostles 
should  accompany  him  into  Judea,  and  share  what- 
ever dangers  he  might  be  exposed  to  from  the  malice 
of  the  barbarous  Jews.  *'  Then  said  Thomas,  which 
'*  is  called  Didymus,  unto  his  fellow  disciples,  Let 
"  us  also  go,  that  we  may  die  with  him."  John  xi. 
16. 

As  our  Lord  pursued  his  journey  towards  Betha- 
ny, he  was  met  by  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  that 
town,  who  informed  him  that  Lazarus  had  been 
buried  four  days.  The  fate  of  Lazarus  had  proved 
exceedingly  distressing  to  Martha  and  Mary  ;  and 
many  of  the  Jews  had  come  from  Jerusalem,  in  order 


20  THE    HISTORY    OF 

to  condole  with  them  on  occasion  of  the  arrief  ihev 
experienced,  in  consequence  of  the  decease  of  their 
beloved  brother. 

Previous    to  our  Lord's  arrival  at  Bethany,    the 
news  of  his   approach  was  conveyed  to  that  village  ; 
and  Martha  hastened  to  meet  him,  leaving  her  sister, 
who  was  of  a  more  contemplative  and  melancholy  dis 
position,  mourning  in  the  house. 

Upon  meeting  Jesus,  in  an  extacy  of  sorrow,  Mar- 
tha said,  that  if  he  had  hastened  to  Bethany  when  he 
received  intelligence  of  her  brother's  indisposition,  his 
death  woidd  have  been  prevented  ;  for  she  was  con- 
scious that  the  Almighty  would  not  deny  any  request 
he  should  make.  Martha  undoubtedly  entertained 
an  exalted  idea  of  the  power  of  our  blessed  Redeem, 
er :  but  yet  she  did  *  not  imagine  that  he  was  able 
to  exert  that  power  on  all  occasions,  but  that  by  ap- 
pealing to  heaven  in  behalf  of  sick  persons,  the  Al- 
mighty invested  him  v/ith  power  to  effect  their  reco- 
very. It  may  reasonably  be  presumed,  that  she  was 
not  ignorant  of  the  miracle  he  had  performed,  in  giv- 
ing life  to  the  deceased  daughter  of  Jairus,  and  the 
son  of  the  widou'  of  Nain  :  but  as  her  brother  had 
been  buried  three  days,  she  probably  was  doubtful, 
whether  Jesus  had  power  to  effect  his  recovery,  and 
that  therefore  she  did  not  supplicate  him  to  restore 
Lazarus  to  life. 

But  to  increase  the  imperfect  faith  of  Martha,  Jesus 
informed  her,  that  his  heavenly  Father  had  invested 
him  with  power  to  give  life  to  those  who  had  faith  in 
him.  As  these  words  did  not  specifically  express  any 

*  According  to  Grotiiis  and  man}'  other  writers,  the  faith  of  Mar- 
tha was  weak  ;  and  they  arc  of  opinion,  that  though  she  believed  ChristJ 
■was  prevalent  witii  God,  she  did  not  5'ipposc  that  the  fullness  of  the 
divine  power  resided  in  liim. 


OUR    BI.ESSED    SAVIOUR.  21 

period  of  time,  she  understood  them  in  the  indefinite 
sense,  imagining-  that  they  were  meant  only  to  afford 
her  consolation  in  her  distress,  and  that  they  alhided 
to  the  time  of  the  general  resurrection.  Martha  there- 
fore said,  that  she  had  a  firm  rtliance  on  that  import- 
ant article  of  the  Christian  faiih,  which  expressed, 
that  the  dead  should  rise  from  the  dreary  mansions 
of  the  grave,  on  that  great  and  tremendous  day,  when 
the  judgment  of  the  world  would  be  pronounced  from 
the  throne  of  the  Almighty.  Hereupon  the  blessed 
Jesus  informed  her,  that  he  was  tiie  author  of  the  re- 
surrection, and  had  received  power  from  God  to  effect 
the  immediate  resurrection  of  all  who  believed  in  the 
dispensations  of  his  gospel.  To  this  Martha  replied, 
that  she  was  firmly  persuaded  he  was  the  true  Messi- 
ah,  whose  appearance  had  been  so  long  predicted  by 
the  prophets  ;  and  that  no  miracle  was  too  great  for 
him  to  perform,  since  in  him  resided  the  fulness  of 
divine  power. 

Martha  now  appears  to  have  conceived  hopes  of  the 
immediate  recovery  of  Lazarus  ;  and  departing  from 
Jesus,  she  hastened  by  his  command  into  the  village, 
in  order  to  summon  Mary  to  be  a  witness  of  the  as- 
tonishing miracle  that  was  to  be  speedily  performed. 
*'  Then  when  Jesus  came,  he  found  that  he  had  lien  in 
*'  the  grave  four  days  already.  Now  Bethany  was 
"  nigli  unto  Jerusalem,  about  fifteen  furlongs  off. — 
'*  And  many  of  the  Jews  came  to  Martha  and  Mary, 
*'  to  comfort  them  concerning  their  brother.  Then 
"  Martha,  as  soon  as  she  heard  that  Jesus  was  com- 
''  ing,  went  and  met  him  :  but  Mary  sat  still  in  the 
*'  house.  Then  said  Martha  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  if 
**  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not  died. 
'*  But  I  know,  that  even  now,  whatsoever  thou  wilt 
*'  ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  thee.  Jesus  said  unto- 
"  her.  Thy  Brother  shall  rise  again.  Martha  saith 
**  unto  him,  i  know   that  he  shall  rise  again  in  the 


22  THE    HISTORY    OP 

*'  resurrection  at  the  last  day.  Jesus  said  unto  her, 
*'  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life  :  he  that  believ- 
"  eth  in  me  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live  : 
"  and  whosoever  iiveth  and  believeth  in  me,  shall 
"  never  die.  Believest  thou  this  ?  She  saithunto  him, 
"  Yea,  Lord  :  I  believe  that  thou  art  the  Christ,  the 
*'  Son  of  God,  which  should  come  into  the  world. 
*'  And  when  she  had  so  said,  she  went  away,  and  cal- 
*'  led  Mary  her  sister  secretly,  saying,  The  Master 
^'  is  come,  and  calleth  for  thee."  John  xi.   17,  &c. 

Mary  was  no  sooner  apprized  of  the  approach  of 
Jesus,  than  she  hastened  to  meet  him.  The  Jews  who 
had  come  from  Jerusalem  to  condole  with  the  afflict- 
ed sisters,  imagining  that  she  was  going  to  pour  forth 
her  sorrows  over  the  grave  of  her  deceased  brother, 
followed  her  into  the  presence  of  our  blessed  Redeem- 
er, who  still  remained  in  the  field  where  he  had  been 
accosted  by  Martha.  Thus  were  the  Jews  conducted 
to  the  grave  of  Lazarus,  and  made  witnesses  to  his 
miraculous  resurrection. 

Prostrating  herself  before  Christ,  in  an  agony  of 
grief,  she  exclaimed.  "  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here, 
*■'  my  brother  had  not  died."  Martha  stood  weeping 
by  the  side  of  Jesus,  and  with  a  heart  dissolved  in  grief, 
the^pious  Mary  lay  at  his  feet;  while  the  surrounding 
Jews  joined  the  mournful  scene,  by  mingling  their 
friendly  tears  with  those  of  the  afflicted  sisters,  in  tes- 
timony of  their  esteem  for  the  departed  Lazarus,  and 
of  the  justice  of  the  lamentations  of  Martha  and  Ma- 
ry for  the  loss  of  so  truly  amiable  and  deserving  a  bro- 
ther. The  compassionate  Jesus  could  not  behold 
this  melancholy  scene,  without  yielding  to  the  tender- 
cst  sensations  of  pity,  and  generously  *  participating 
in  the  common  distress. 

*  Hence  we  may  learn,  that  those  afi'ections  of  the  mind  which  are 


OUR     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  23 

This  pathetic  occurrence  is  related  by  the  Evange- 
list, in  a  stile  of  the  most  expressive  simplicity  and 
peculiar  tenderness.  Mary  being  informed  by  her 
sister,  that  Jesus  was  in  the  neighborhood  of  Betha- 
ny, "  as'soon  as  she  heard  that,  she  arose  quickly, 
"  and  came  unto  him.  Now  Jesus  was  not  yet  come 
*'  into  the  town,  but  was  at  that  place  where  Martha 
"  met  him.  The  Jews  then  which  were  with  her  in 
"  the  house,  and  comforted  her,  when  they  saw  Mary 
*••  that  she  rose  up  hastily,  and  went  out,  followed 
•*  her,  saying,  She  goeth  unto  the  grave  to  weep  there. 
*'  Then  when  Mary  was  come  where  Jesus  was,  and 
*'  saw  him,  she  fell  down  at  his  feet,  saying  unto  him, 
"  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not 
*'  died.  When  Jesus  therefore  saw  her  weeping, 
*'  and  the  Jews  also  weeping  which  came  with  her,  he 
"  groaned  in  the  spirit,  and  was  troubled,  and  said, 
*'  Where  have  ye  laid  him  ?  They  say  unto  him.  Lord, 
"  come  and  see.  Jesus  wept.  Then  said  the  Jews, 
"  Behold,  how  he  loved  him  !  And  some  of  them 
*'  said.  Could  not  this  man,  which  opened  the  eyes 
"  of  the  blind,  have  caused  that  even  this  man  should 
"  not  have  died  ?  Jesus  therefore  again  groaning  in 
"•  himself,  cometh  to  the  grave.  It  was  a  cave,  and  a 
"  stone  lay  upon  it.  Jesus  said,  take  ye  away  the 
''  stone.  Martha,  the  sister  of  him  that  was  dead, 
*•'  said  unto  him.  Lord,  by  this  time  he  stinketh  :  for 
"  he  hath  been  dead  four  days.  Jesus  saith  unto  her, 
"  Said  I  not  unto  thee,  that  if  thou  wouldest  believe, 
*'  thou  shouldest  see  the  glory  of  God  ?  Then  they 
"  took  away  the  stone  from  the  place  where  the  dead 
''  was  laid.  And  Jesus  lift  up  his  eyes,  and  said,  Fa- 
"  ther  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  heard  me.  And 
*'  I  knew  that  thou  hearest  me  always  :  but  because 
"  of  the  people  which  stand  by,  I  said   it,  that  they 


called  the  weaknesses  of  humanity,  are  not  to  be  condemned  as  sinful, 
provided  they  do  not  impel  usto  actions  repugnant  to  virtue  and  reason. 


24  '■  THE    HISTORY    01« 

"  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me.  And  when  he 
*'  had  thus  spoken,  he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Laza- 
**  rus,  come  forth.  And  he  that  was  dead,  came 
**  forth,  bound  hand  and  foot  with  grave-clothes  :  and 
**  his  face  was  bound  about  with  a  napkin.  Jesus  saith 
*'  unto  them,  Loose  him,  and  let  him  go."  John  xi. 
29,  &c. 

The  grief  expressed  by  the  tender  and  compassion- 
ate Jesus  was  a  convincing  proof  to  the  Jews,  that  he 
had  entertained  a  strong  affection  for  Lazarus  ;  but 
some  of  them  interpreted  this  circumstance  to  his  dis- 
advantage, urging,  that  had  he  possessed  sufficient 
power,  he  would  have  cured  him  of  the  distemper 
which  terminated  in  his  death  ;  and  recalling  to  their 
recollection  the  miraculous  cure  of  the  blind  man  at 
the  feast  of  tabernacles,  which  they  considered  as  a 
more  extraordinary  matter  than  restoring  to  health 
a  man  laboring  under  a  disease,  which  however  vio- 
lent, had  in  many  instances  yeilded  to  the  power  of 
medicine,  and  in  others,  had  been  subdued  by  the 
mere  efforts  of  nature. 

Martha  observed  to  Jesus,  that  the  body  of  the  de- 
funct must  be  in  a  state  of  putrefaction,  as  it  had  been 
four  days  in  the  grave.  Thus  she  plainly  indicated, 
that  she  imagined  Jesus  had  not  power  to  effect  the  re- 
surrection of  her  brother;  but  he  reproved  her  want 
of  faith,  by  repeating  what  he  had  said  to  her  in  the 
field  concerning  the  unlimited  power  of  the  Almighty. 
Martha  being  convinced  that  our  Lord  was  appointed 
to  execute  the  will  of  the  heavenly  Father,  Christ  pro- 
ceeded to  effect  the  wonderful  resurrection  of  Laza- 
rus ;  who  rose  from  the  grave  in  a  state  of  the  most 
perfect  health  and  vigor.  Some  among  the  crowd 
of  astonished  spectators  might  probably  have  sus- 
pected that  Lazarus  had  been  buried  alive,  and  that 
the  vital  principle  had  not  departed  from  his  body, 


OUR    BLESSED    SAAaOUR.  25 

had  not  they  been  fully  convinced,  by  the  appearance 
of,  and  stench  emitted  from  the  gravecloiheb,  and 
many  other  circumstances,  that  the  body  iiad  been  ac- 
tually in  a  state  of  putrefaction.  When  he  had  per- 
formed this  stupendous  miracle,  our  blessed  Saviour 
manifested  no  instance  cither  of  triumph  or  exulta- 
tion ;  but  consistently  wiih  his  conduct  on  every 
other  occasion,  proved  himself  to  be  a  perfect  exam- 
ple of  humility  and  self-denial. 

In  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus,  is  exhibited  a  strik- 
ing emblem,  and  a  glorious  earnest  of  a  future  state  ; 
and  this  astonishing  event  cannot  fail  to  impress  upon 
our  minds  an  idea  of  that  solemn  day,  when  the  scat- 
tered particles  of  our  bodies  shall  be  co'lected,  and  our 
souls  be  exalted  into  a  glorious  immortality,  through 
the  beneficent  interposition  of  the  Son  of  God. 

We  shall  here  introduce  a  concise  account  of  the 
town  of  Bethany,  wherein  the  above  miracle  was 
wrought.  Departing  from  Jerusalem  through  St.  Ste- 
phen's gate,  and  crossing  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat, 
and  part  of  mount  Olivet,  in  about  half  an  hour  you 
arrive  at  Bethany.  Upon  entering  this  place,  is 
seen  a  ruinated  building,  called  the  castle  of  Lazarus, 
and  supposed  to  have  been  the  place  of  his  residence. 
At  the  foot  of  a  gentle  declivity,  and  at  a  small  distance 
from  the  castle,  is  shewn  the  sepulchre  out  of  which 
he  was  raised  to  a  second  mortality.  The  descent 
into  the  sepulchre  is  by  twenty-five  steep  steps,  which 
lead  to  a  small  square  apartment,  from  whence  you 
creep  down,  to  the  depth  of  about  a  yard  and  a  half, 
into  a  smaller  room,  where  the  body,  of  Lazarus  is 
said  to  have  been  deposited.  The  Turks  hold  this 
place  in  high  veneration,  and  make  use  of  it  as  an 
oratory,  not  allowing  it  to  be  seen  by  any  Christians, 
till  they  have  paid  asmall  caphar  for  their  admission. 

VOL.    II.  D 


26  THE    HISTORY    OF 

At  about  the  distance  of  a  bow-shot  from  the  se- 
pulchre, you  are  shewn  a  place,  which  is  said  to  have 
been  the  habitation  of  Mary  Magdalen  ;  and  then  de- 
scending a  steep  hill,  you  arrive  at  the  fountain  of  the 
apostles  ;  so  called,  because,  according  to  tradition, 
it  was  the  place  where  those  holy  men  were  accus- 
tomed to  refresh  themselves  in  their  frequent  journies 
between  Jerusalem  and  Jericho.  This  is  very  proba- 
ble, and  perhaps  what  is  done  by  most  of  the  persons 
who  travel  that  way  ;  the  fountain  being  close  to  the 
side  of  the  road,  and  extremely  inviting  to  the  thirsty 
passenger. 

The  resurrection  of  Lazarus  was  so  extraordinary 
an  instance  of  the  divine  power  of  Christ,  that  it  pre- 
vailed over  the  prejudices  of  a  great  number  of  the 
Jews,  who  acknowledged  him  to  be  the  Messiah.  This 
wonderful  event,  which  occured  in  theneighborhood 
of  Jerusalem,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  great  multitude 
of  people,  could  not  long  remain  concealed  from  the 
knowledge  of  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  who  were 
exceedingly  alarmed,  lest  the  great  and  increasing 
reputation  of  Jesus  should  impair  their  authority,  and 
diminish  their  influence  over  the  people. 

The  members  of  the  Sanhedrim  being  assem- 
bled, it  was  asserted  in  that  grand  council,  that 
the  intention  of  Jesus  was  to  establish  a  new  mode 
of  religious  worship,  the  principles  of  which  were 
inimical  to  the  Jewish  laws,  and  threatened  to  sub- 
vert the  Jewish  constitution  both  in  church  and  state. 
It  was  argued,  that  the  miracles  of  Jesus  would  in- 
duce  the  lower  classes  of  the  people  to  acknowledge 
him  for  the  Messiah,  and  support  his  pretensions  to 
that  character  by  force  of  arms  ;  and  that  the  insur- 
rections thus  excited,  would  afford  the  Romans  a  pre- 
text for  sending  an  army  into  Judea,  to  destroy  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUK.  27 

c'iKy  and  temple,  and  put  the  whole  Jewish  nation  to 
the  sword.  *'  But  some  of  them  went  their  ways  to 
"  the  Pharisees,  and  told  them  what  things  Jesus  had 
*'  done.  Then  gathered  the  chief  priests  and  the  Pha- 
"  risees  a  council,  and  saidj  What  do  we?  for  this 
"  man  doeth  mrany  miracles.  If  we  let  him  thus  alone, 
"  all  men  will  believe  on  him  ;  and  the  Romans  shall 
"  ccme  and  take  away  both  our  place  and  nation." 
John  xi.  46,  47,  48. 

Various  expedients  were  proposed  in  the  Sanhe- 
drim, for  securing  the  Jewish  constitution  from  that 
danger,  by  which  it  was  supposed  to  be  threatened  by 
the  preaching  and  miracles  of  Christ ;  and  at  length 
a  resolution  passed,  purporting,  that  it  was  expedient 
to  put  him  to  death  :  but  this  vote  did  not  receive  the 
unanimous  sanction  of  the  council,  it  being  resolute- 
ly opposed  by  Nicodemus,  Joseph  of  Armathea, 
and  some  other  zealous  disciples  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer. 

Caiaphas,  who  was  at  this  time  high-priest  of  the 
Jewish  nation, having  attended  to  the  debates  concern- 
ing our  Saviour,  arose,  and  informed  the  assembly, 
that  those  persons  were  but  little  acquainted  with,  or 
concerned  for  the  interest  of  their  country,  who  op- 
posed the  condemnation  of  Jesus,  because  no  act  of 
criminality  had  been  proved,  or  even  advanced  against 
him  ;  for  the  nature  of  government,  and  the  princi- 
pies  of  human  policy,  frequently  rendered  particular 
acts  of  injustice  necessary,  in  order  that  the  safety  of 
the  state  might  be  secured  ;  and  therefore  he  advised, 
that  Jesus  might  be  condemned  to  die,  in  order  to 
avert  the  destruction  which  threatened  the  whole  Jew- 
ish nation.  Thus,  by  the  divine  impulse  did  the 
high-priest  predict  to  the  rulers  of  Jerusalem,  that 
Christ  was  to  be  offered  up  as  an  expiatory  victim  for 
the  sins  of  mankind.     "  And  one  of  them,  named 


28  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*^  Caiaj^has,  being  the  high-priest  that  same  year,  said 
*'  unto  them,  Ye  know  nothing  at  all  :  nor  consider 
"  that  it  is  expedient  for  us,  that  one  man  should  die 
"  for  the  people,  and  that  the  whole  nation  perish  not. 
"  And  this  spake  he  not  of  himself:  but,  being  high- 
**  priest  that  year,  he  prophesied  that  Jesus  should 
"  die  for  that  nation  ;  and  not  for  that  nation  only, 
*'  but  that  also  he  should  gather  together  in  *  one,  the 
"  children  of  God  that  were  scattered  abroad." — 
John  xi.  49,  &c. 

The  Sanhedrim  having  resolved  to  sacrifice  the  life 
of  Jesus,  he  declined  publicly  appearing  in  the  fre- 
<juented  parts  of  Judea  ;  but  he  returned  to  the  small 
city  of  Ephraim,  situated  on  the  confines  of  the  wil- 
derness of  Jericho,  where  he  resided  with  his  apostles 
till  the  following  passover. 

We  shall  conclude  this  chapter  with  some  observa- 
tions on  the  miracle  of  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus. 
From  what  is  above  related,  it  is  not  to  be  inferred, 
that  our  blessed  Saviour  "  wept,  and  groaned  in  spi- 
"  rit,"  on  account  of  the  death  of  the  man  whom  he 
was  about  to  restore  to  life  ;  for  his  expressions  of 
sorrow  proceeded  from  a  sympathetic  tenderness  of 
disposition,  which  impelled  him  to  participate  in  the 
deep  affliction  of  those  who  deplored  the  loss  of  La- 
zarus. The  Jews  who  attended  on  this  occasion, 
mistook  the  cause  of  the  grief  of  our  tender  and  com- 
passionate Redeemer  ;  for  by  their  saying,  '^  Behold, 
"  how  he  loved  him,"  it  is  evident  that  they  supposed 
he  lamented  his  death.  But  this  will  be  allowed  a 
very  natural  expression,  when  it  is  considered,  that 
they  entirely  mistook  the  cause  of  his  sorrow,  and 
were  entirely  ignorant  of  his  intention  to  restore  La- 
zarus to  life. 

*  In  one  community. 


OUU    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  29 

Some  of  the  Jews  asked,  why  Jesus,  who  had  gi- 
ven sight  to  a  man  bornjblind,  could  not  have  rescued 
Lazarus  from  the  power  of  death.  Hereupon,  Jesus 
groaned  a  second  time  ;  and  this  like  the  former  ex- 
pression of  sorrow,  was  not  on  account  of  the  deceas- 
ed, but  on  the  contrary,  a  proof  that  he  lamented  the 
obstinate  incredulity  of  the  living.  By  the  connection 
which  the  word  "  therefore"  bears  to  the  preceding 
part  of  the  text,  it  appears  that  the  second  groaning 
of  Jesus,  was  occasioned  by  the  malicious  applica- 
tion which  some  of  the  Jews  gave  to  the  miracle  he 
had  wrought  in  favor  of  the  man  who  had  been  born 
blind  ;  for  they  insinuated,  that  it  was  not  probable 
he  should  have  so  wonderfully  relieved  a  stranger, 
since  he  had  not  power  to  preserve  the  life  of  his  be- 
loved friend  Lazarus. 

By  his  own  example,  our  Lord  has  instructed  us 
in  the  virtue  of  sympathizing  in  the  distresses  of 
our  fellow-creatures ;  and  this  is  agreeable  to  the 
precept  of  the  apostle,  who  commands  us  to  "  weep 
"  with  them  that  weep."  The  ancient  heretics  pro- 
pagated an  opinion,  that  Christ  did  not  appear  in  the 
real  flesh,  with  which  he  appeared  to  be  clothed, 
and  that  he  was  no  more  than  the  apparition  of  a 
man.  But  this  pernicious  idea,  so  derogatory  from 
the  merit  of  his  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  mankind, 
must  immediately  vanish,  when  we  reflect,  that  it  is 
recorded  by  the  evangelist,  that  *' Jesus  wept;"  and 
thereby  afforded  an  incontestible  demonstration,  that 
he  had  assumed  the  nature  of  humanity,  together 
with  all  the  innocent  passions  thereunto  annexed. 
That  the  reality  of  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus  was 
not  disputed  in  the  life-time  of  our  Saviour  is  certain, 
for  no  suspicion  of  fraud  in  this  case  was  among  the 
accusations  advanced  against  him  before  Pilate. 

Lazarus  was  still  living,  when  Matthew,  Mark,  and 


30  THE    HISTOKY    OF 

Luke,  wrote  their  gosples,  and  therefore  they  did 
not  mention  the  miracle.  The  Jews  had  endeavored 
to  execute  vengeance  upon  Lazarus,  because  he  had 
been  the  instrument  whereby  our  Saviour  had  exhi- 
bited a  most  wonderful  instance  of  the  divinity  of  his 
commission  :  but  their  malace  was  disappointed.  Had 
the  evangelist  above-mentioned  introduced  the  mira- 
cle of  his  resurrection  in  their  gospels,  the  Jews  would, 
in  all  probability,  have  been  provoked  to  revive  their 
rage  against  Lazarus  with  more  implacable  fury.  But 
when  the  gospel  of  St.  John  was  written,  Lazarus  had 
a  second  time  departed  from  these  regions  of  mor- 
tality ;  and  therefore,  this  evangelist  had  no  motive  to 
induce  him  to  suppress  the  narrative  of  his  won- 
derful resurrection ;  and  that  the  facts  were  faith- 
fully communicated  to  him,  may  be  reasonably  pre- 
sumed ;  for  when  he  wrote,  there  were  many  persons 
still  livinar  who  had  been  witnesses  to  the  divine 
power  which  our  blessed  Redeemer  displayed  in  re- 
animating the  body  of  the  deceased  Lazarus. 


OUH     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  31 


CHAP.  XXXII. 


upon  the  approach  oj  the passo'uer^  our  blessed Sa'oiour 
departs  from  the  desert  fiear  Jericho,  and  repairs 
to  Jerusalem.  During  his  journey^  he  predicts  to 
his  apostles  the  circumstances  of  his  condemnation^ 
deaths  crucifixion^  and  resurrection.  He  instructs 
bis  apostles^  as  to  the  manner  i?i  nvhich  they  shall 
regulate  their  conduct.  Jesus  cures  txvo  blind  beg- 
gars^ and  holds  a  conversation  with  Zaccheus  the 
publican.  The  parable  of  the  talents.  In  conse- 
quence of  a  proclamation  issued  by  the  Sanhedrim, 
the  Jews  endeavor  to  apprehend  Jesus.  He  repairs 
to  Bethany^  where  his  feet  are  anointed  by  the  pious 
Mary.  He  replies  to  an  objection  advanced  by  Ju- 
das. Our  blessed  Saviour  rides  towards  Jerusalem 
upon  an  asSy  amidst  the  acclamations  of  an  im- 
mense concourse  of  people.  The  conduct  of  Jesus 
excites  the  rage  of  the  Pharisees.  The  advice  of 
the  Pharisees  to  the  Sanhedrim.  The  lamenta- 
tions of  our  blessed  Saviour  over  the  city  of  Jerusa- 
lem. Jesus  enters  Jerusalem^  and  a  second  time 
expels  the  traders  from  the  temple.  Persons  af- 
flicted with  various  diseases  are  brought  to  Jesus^ 
in  order  to  be  restored  to  health.  The  priests  inter- 
rogate, him  and  he  answers  their  questions.  The 
curiosity  of  some  Greeks  to  behold  Jesus.  His  dis* 
course  to  the  multitude  on  the  subject  of  the  curio- 
sity of  the  Greeks*  The  voice  of  the  Almighty  heard 
from  the  heavens.  Jesus  answers  to  the  enquiries 
of  the  multitude,  concerning  the  voice  of  the  Al- 
mighty. He  discourses  to  them  on  the  subject  of 
his  approaching  dissolution.  Jesus  secludes  hitn- 
self  from  the  society  of  men.     Some  words  of  the 


32  THE    HISTORY    OF 

prophet  Isaiah  applied  to  the  Jeivs.  Hanging  ad' 
monished  the  Jews  to  repose  faith  in  him^  our 
blessed  Sa'viour  returns  to  the  town  of  Bethany. 

U  PON  the  approach  of  the  passover,  our  blsssed 
Saviour  quitted   his  retirement  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Jericho,  being  followed  by  his  apostles,  who  were 
exceedingly   concerned  on  account  of  their    Master 
having  undertaken  a  journey,  which  they  imagined 
would  terminate  in   his  death.     During  his  passage 
to   Jerusalem,    our  Lord,  addressing  himself  to  his 
apostles,   said  that  he  was  going  to  the  city   of  Jeru- 
salem, where  all  the  events  predicted  by  the  prophets 
concerning  him  would  be  fulfilled  ;   for  he  should  be 
betrayed  into  the  power  of  the  Sanhedrim,  who  would 
condemn  him  to  suffer  death  ;   adding,  that,  as   the 
Romans  had  deprived  the  Jewish  nation  of  the  privi- 
lege of  pronouncing  sentence  upon  persons  accused 
of  capital   offences,  he  should  be  condemned  to  suffer 
death  by  a  Roman  governor ;   but  that  before  his  de- 
cease  he    should   be  ignomeniously  spit    upon,  and 
scourged  :   he  further  informed  his  disciples,  that  he 
should  suffer  a  painful   death  upon  a  cross  ;   and  that 
three  days  after  his  crucifixion,  he  should  rise  from 
the  dead,  and   ascend  to  the  throne  of  his  heavenlv 
Father.     "Then  he  took  unto  him  the  twelve,  and 
*'  said  unto  them.  Behold  we  go  up  to  Jerusalem  ; 
"  and   all  things    that   are   written  by  the   prophets 
"  concerning  the  Son  of  man  shall  be  accomplished* 
"■  For  he  shall  be  delivered  unto  the  Gentiles,   and 
**  shall  be  spitefully  entreated,  and  spitted  on  :  and 
**  they  shall  scourge  him,   and  put  him  to  death  :  and 
''  the  third  day  he  shall  rise  again."  Luke  xviii.  31, 
&c. 

Though  the  prediction  of  the  above  events  so  ma- 
nifestly corresponded  with  the  ancient  prophecies,  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  33 

apostles  were  unable  to  comprehend  the  meaning 
thereof.  The  sons  of  Zcbedce  imagined,  that,  by- 
saying  he  should  rise  from  the  dead,  Jesus  meant  to 
intimate  to  tliem,  that  he  should  establish  a  temporal 
sovereignty  ;  and  therefore  they  became  ambitious  of 
partaking  of  the  honors  and  emoluments,  which  they 
expected  would  be  distributed  among  his  followers. 
Upon  the  road  towards  Jerusalem,  they  prevailed  upon 
their  mother  to  prostrate  herself  before  our  blessed 
Redeemer,  and  humbly  to  supplicate  that  he  wouldex- 
alt  her  sons  to  the  dignity  of  sitting  on  each  side  of  his 
throne  ;  and  thus  she  solicited,  that  he  would  bestow 
upon  them  the  most  dignified  offices  under  the  tem- 
poral government  which  he  was  about  to  erect.  Ad- 
dressing himself  to  the  petitioner  and  her  sons,  our 
Lord  informed  them,  that  they  were  entirely  ignorant 
as  to  the  nature  of  the  rewards  which  he  had  promis- 
ed to  bestow  upon  those  who  strictly  adhered  to  the 
principles  of  his  gospel.  "  Then  came  to  him  the 
"  mother  of  Zebedee's  children  with  their  sons,  wor- 
"  shipping  him,  and  desiring  a  certain  thing  of  him. 
"  And  he  said  unto  her.  What  wilt  thou  ?  She  saith 
"  unto  him,  Grant  that  these  my  two  sons  may  sit, 
"  the  one  on  the  rio-ht  hand,  and  the  other  on  the 
'*  left,  in  thy  kingdom.  But  Jesus  answered,  and 
""  said.  Ye  know  not  what  ye  ask.  Are  ye  able  to 
*'  drink  of  the  cup  that  I  shall  drink  of,  and  to  be 
"  baptized  with  the  baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with  ? 
*'  They  say  unto  him,  We  are  able.  And  he  saith 
*'  unto  them,  Ye  shall  drink  indeed  of  my  cup,  and 
*'  be  baptized  with  the  baptism  that  I  am  baptized 
*'  with  :  but  to  sit  on  my  right  hand,  and  on  my  left, 
*'  is  not  mine  to  give  :  but  it  shall  be  given  to  them 
"  for  whom  it  is  prepared  of  my  Father.''  Matt.  xx. 
20.  Thus  our  Lord  informed  them,  that  they  did  not 
comprehend  the  nature  of  the  rewards  which  he  w  as 
to  bestov/  upon  his  disciples ;  and  that  they  would 

VOL.     II.  E 


34  THE    HISTORY    OV 

partake  of  the  troubles  and  afflictions  which  he  was 
to  encounter. 

The  ambition  of  the  sons  of  Zebedee  greatly  dis- 
pleased the  other  apostles,  who  deemed  themselves 
equally  worthy  of  the  distinction  which  their  two  bre- 
thren had  solicited.  To  restore  friendship  and  har- 
mony among  his  disciples,  our  Lord  informed  them, 
that  the  exaltation  of  those  of  his  followers  who  should 
distinguish  themselves  by  their  superior  virtue,  should 
not  consist  in  the  pomp  and  splendor  of  a  temporal 
empire,  or  in  the  exercise  of  despotic  authority  over 
the  people  ;  adding,  that  in  this  world,  rank  and  pre- 
cedence, were  indications  of  merit,  but  that  Christian 
greatness  consisted  in  humility  and  righteousness. — 
**  And  when  the  ten  heard  it,  they  were  moved  with 
"  indignation  against  the  two  brethren.  But  Jesus 
*'  called  them  unto  him,  and  said.  Ye  know  that  the 
"  princes  of  the  Gentiles  exercise  dominion  over 
"  them,  and  they  that  are  great,  exercise  authority 
"•  upon  them.  But  it  shall  not  be  so  among  vou  :  but 
"  whosoever  will  be  great  among  you,  let  him  be  your 
*'  minister;  and  whosoever  will  be  chief  among  you, 
'*  let  him  be  your  servant :  even  as  the  Son  of  man  came 
**  not  to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister,  and  to 
**  give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many."  Matt,  xx,  24,  &c. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  now  departed  from  Jericho, 
attended  by  a  vast  concourse  of  people.  The  son  of 
Tiniaeus,  called  Bartiniccus  in  the  Hebrew  language, 
and  another  blind  beggar,  were  laying  on  ihe  side  of 
the  road  ;  and  upon  hearing  a  great  number  of  voices, 
thpy  enquired  the  reason  of  such  a  multitude  of  peo- 
ple being  assembled.  They  were  informed,  that  Je- 
sus of  Nazareth  approached  ;  and  they  immediately 
exclaimed,  O  Jesus,  the  son  of  David,  compassionate 
our  miseries,  and  afford  us  relief!  Being  unwilling 
that  the  progress  of  our  Saviour's  journey  should  be 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  35 

interrupted,  his  followers  reprimanded  the  blind  men, 
and  ordered  them  to  be  silent.  But  they  reiterated 
their  complaints,  and  with  additional  vehemence  sup- 
plicated our  Lord  to  bestow  upon  them  the  blessing 
of  sight,  by  the  influence  of  the  divine  power  which 
resided  in  him.  Jesus  ordered  the  men  to  be  con- 
ducted to  him  ;  and  when  they  approached,  he  touch- 
ed their  eyes,  and  commanded  them  to  depart,  assur- 
ing them,  that  they  should  be  restored  to  sight,  as  a 
reward  for  their  faith  in  him.  Our  blessed  Redeemer 
had  no  sooner  pronounced  these  words,  than  they  re- 
covered the  faculty  of  seeing.  This  miracle  being 
performed,  they  glorified  the  name  of  the  Almighty, 
through  whose  goodness  so  inestimable  a  blessing 
had  been  conferred   upon  them.      "  And  as  they   de- 

*  parted  from  Jericho,  a  great  multitude  followed 
'  him.  And  behold  two  blind  men  sitting  by  the 
'  way  side,  when  they   heard  that  Jesus  passed  by, 

*  cried  out,  saying,  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord,  thou 
'  son  of  David.  And  the  multi-iude  rebuked  them, 
'  because  they  should  hold  their  peace  :  but  they 
'  cried  the  more,  saying.  Have  mercy  on  us,  O  Lord, 
'  thou  son  of  David.  And  Jesus  stood  still,  and  cal- 
'  led  them,  and  said,  What  will  ye  that  I  should 
'  do  unto  you  ?  They  say  unto  him,  Lord,  that  our 
'  eyes  may  be  opened.  So  Jesus  had  compassion 
'  on  them,  and  touched  their  eyes  ;  and  immediately 
'  their  eyes  received  sight,  and  they  followed  him.'* 

Matt.  XX.  29,  &c. 

Having  performed  the  above  miracle,  our  Saviour 
continued  his  journey.  Zaccheus,  the  chief  of  the 
publicans  inhabiting  the  city  of  Jericho  and  its  adja- 
cencies, had  heard  the  fame  of  Jesus  greatly  extolled, 
and  was  extremely  desirous  of  beholding  a  person 
of  so  distinguished  a  character;  and  he  several  times 
endeavored  lo  gratify  his  curiosity,  but  was  as  often 
disappointed,   he   being  a   man  of  low  stature,  and 


36  THE    HISTORY    OF 

our  Saviour  being  surrounded  by  an  immense  con- 
course of  people.  However,  he  hastened  forward, 
and  climbed  into  sycamore-tree,  standing  on  the  side 
of  the  road  through  which  our  Saviour  was  to  pass. 
Perceiving  Zaccheus  on  the  tree,  our  Lord  command- 
ed him  to  descend  ;  informing  him  at  the  same  time, 
that  he  meant  to  retire  with  him  to  the  place  of  his 
habitation.  Zaccheus  came  out  of  the  tree,  and  ex- 
pressed the  utmost  joy  at  the  condescension  of  Jesus, 
whom  he  conducted  to  his  house,  and  there  enter- 
tained him,  behaving  towards  him  with  every  in- 
stance of  kindness  and  respect.  "  And  Jesus  en- 
"  tered  and  passed  through  Jericho.  And  behold, 
*'  there  was  a  man  named  Zaccheus,  which  was  the 
*'  chief  among  the  publicans,  and  he  was  rich.  And 
"  he  sought  to  see  Jesus,  who  he  was,  and  could 
*^  not  for  the  press,  because  he  was  little  of  stature, 
"  And  he  ran  before,  and  climbed  up  into  a  sycamore- 
'*  tree,  to  see  him  ;  for  he  was  to  pass  that  way.  And 
"  when  Jesus  came  to  the  place,  he  looked  up  and  saw 
"  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Zaccheus,  make  haste,  and 
*'  come  down,  for  to-day  I  must  abide  at  thy  house. 
*'  And  he  made  haste,  and  came  down,  and  received 
*'  him  joyfully."  Luke  xix.   1,  &c. 

The  circumstance  of  our  Saviour's  condescending 
to  be  entertained  by  a  publican,  proved  exceedingly 
disagreeable  to  the  multitude ;  and  therefore  they  re- 
proached him,  for  having  acted  in  a  manner  which  they 
conceived  to  be  inconsistent  with  the  dignity  annexed 
to  the  character  of  a  prophet.  Zaccheus  seems  to 
have  overheard  the  reflections  which  were  discharged 
against  Christ ;  and  therefore,  that  he  might  rescue 
his  character  from  the  indignity  which  was  annexed 
to  that  of  the  publicans  in  general,  he  thus  addressed 
himself  to  Jesus  in  the  hearing  of  the  multitude. — 
*'  Behold,  Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the 
"  poor  :  and  if  I  have  taken  any  thing  from  any  man 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  SJ 

"  by  false  accusation,  I  restore  him  *  four-fold." — 
Luke  xix.  8. 

Our  saviour  now  informed  Zaccheus,  that  the  time 
of  his  salvation  was  arrived,  and  that  all  the  persons 
of  his  family  would  experience  the  like  blessing,  if 
they  adapted  his  generous  example  ;  for  he  had  prov- 
ed himself  worthy  to  be  considered  as  a  son  of  Abra- 
ham, the  father  of  the  faithful,  by  acting  in  so  com- 
mendable a  manner,  although  he  was  not  f  lineally 
descended  from  that  patriarch  ;  and  our  Lord  added, 
that  he  had  come  to  the  house  of  Zaccheus,  in  pur- 
suance of  the  commission  he  had  received  from  his 
heavenly  Father,  that  he  might  reclaim  mankind  from 
their  inicjuities,  and  instruct  them  in  the  ways  of  salva- 
tion. "  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  This  day  is  salvation 
"  come  to  this  house,  forasmuch  as  he  also  is  a  son 
*'  of  Abraham.  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  seek 
"  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost."  Luke  xix.  9, 
10. 

The  multitude  imagining,  that  upon  his  arrival  at 
Jerusalem,   the   ancient  seat  of  their  kings,    Christ 

*  This  was  doing  more  than  was  enjoined  by  the  law.  When  any 
property  purloined  or  fraudulently  obtained,  was  voluntarily  restored, 
the  transgressor  was  to  add  a  fifth  part  to  the  sum.  Numb.  v.  7.  The 
property  being  found  in  his  possession,  after  he  had  persevered  to  con- 
caal  It,  he  was  to  give  double  the  amount  to  the  injured  party.  Exod. 
xxii.  4.  When  an  ox  or  a  sheep  was  killed,  or  sold  after  it  was  stolen, 
the  aggressor  was  to  pay  five  oxen  for  one  ox,  and  four  sheep  for  one 
sheep.  Exod.  xxii.  i.  Hence  then  it  appears,  that  Zaccheus  restored 
for  money  or  goods  what  the  law  required  only  for  living  creatures  ; 
thereby  conforming  to  the  precepts  of  the  law,  in  their  most  extensive 
meaning. 

t  Some  writers  suppose,  our  Saviour  meant  that  he  was  the  son  of 
Abraham,  not  only  in  faith,  but  also  by  birth.  For,  say  they,  "  The 
"  Pharisees  do  not  murmur  against  Christ,  that  he  eats  with  one  uncir- 
"  cumcised,  but  that  he  eats  with  a  sinner."  It  is  true  indeed,  that 
many  of  the  publicans  were  Jews  by  birth  :  and  it  is  probable,  that  Zac- 
cheus was  one  of  these. 


58  THE   HISTORY    OF 

would  publicly  avow  himself  as  the  Messiah,  and  as- 
sume the  government  of  the  Jewish  nation  j  he  deli- 
vered the  following  parable,  which  will  appear  to  have 
been  most  admirably  calculated  for  correcting  their 
erroneous  opinion. 

A  certain  prince  made  preparations  for  a  journey 
into  a  distant  country,  in  order  to  pay  homage  to  a 
powerful  potentate,  who  was  to  invest  him  with  the 
full  powers  of  sovereignty ;  after  which,  he  was  to 
return.  Previous  to  his  departure,  he  called  ten  of 
his  servants,  and  divided  ten  talents  equally  among 
them,  commanding  them  to  employ  the  money  in  the 
most  advantasreous  manner  durins:  his  absence. — 
While  he  was  upon  his  journey,  some  of  the  citizens 
appointed  deputies  to  exhibit  accusations  against  him, 
and  to  petition,  that  he  might  not  be  intrusted  with 
the  powers  of  the  government.  However,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  his  application,  in  despite  of  the  opposition 
of  his  enemies  ;  and  upon  his  return,  he  commanded 
his  ten  servants  to  inform  him  what  advantage  they 
had  made  of  the  money.  The  first  servant  that  ap- 
peared, delivered  him  ten  talents,  being  the  produce 
of  the  single  talent  that  he  had  received.  Fully  satis- 
fied of  this  man's  strict  integrity,  the  king  bore  pub- 
lic testimony  to  his  irreproachable  conduct ;  and  far- 
ther to  reward  him,  restored  to  him  the  ten  talents  he 
had  gained,  and  appointed  him  governor  over  ten  ci- 
ties. Another  of  the  servants  produced  five  pieces  ; 
and  therefore  the  king  commended  him,  and  promoted 
him  to  the  government  of  five  cities.  "  And  ano- 
"  ther  came,  saying,  Lord,  behold,  here  is  thy  pound, 
"  which  have  kept  up  in  a  napkin  ;  for  1  feared  thee, 
"  because  thou  art  an  austere  man  :  thou  takest  up 
*'  what  thou  laidest  not  down,  and  reapest  that  thou 
"  didst  not  sow.  And  he  saith  unto  him.  Out  of  thy 
**  own  mouth  will  I  judge  thee,  thou  wicked  scr- 
"  vant.     Thou  knewest  that  I  was  an  austere  man, 


OUK     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  39 

*'  taking  up  that  I  laid  not  down,  and  reaping  that  I 
"  did  not  sow.  Wherefore  then  gavest  not  thou  my 
'*  money  into  the  bank,  that  at  my  coming  I  might 
**  have  required  my  own  with  usury  ?  And  he  said 
"  unto  them  that  stood  by,  Take  from  him  the  pound, 
**  and  give  it  to  him  ihat  hath  ten  pounds.  And  they 
"  said  unto  him.  Lord,  he  hath  ten  pounds.  For  I 
"  say  unto  you,  that  unto  every  one  which  hath  shall 
"  be  given  ;  and  from  him  that  hath  not,  even  that 
"  he  hath  shall  be  taken  away  from  him."  Luke  xix. 
20,  &c. 

In  the  above  parable  are  delineated  the  characters 
of  three  several  classes  of  men  ;  the  true  disciples  of 
Jesus,  the  hypocrites,  and  the  openly  profane.  The 
manner  in  which  the  men  were  treated  by  their  sove- 
reign, is  descriptive  of  the  final  judgment  that  will  be 
pronounced  on  the  awful  day  of  resurrection.  The 
true  disciples  of  Christ  shall  be  rewarded  with  the 
blessings  of  immortality  ;  the  hypocrites  shall  be  di. 
vested  of  the  advantages  of  which  they  had  long  boast- 
ed, and  be  consigned  to  perpetual  pain  and  infamy ; 
and  the  avowed  enemies  of  Jesus,  shall  be  punished 
with  a  degree  of  severity  proportioned  to  the  enor- 
mity of  their  crimes. 

Though  the  above  inter[)retat?on  contains  the  ge- 
neral sense  of  the  parable,  it  must  be  added,  that  it 
had  a  particular  allu^ion  to  the  time  when  it  was  deli- 
vered ;  and  was  intended  to  instruct  his  disciples,  that 
though  they  might  expect  the  king-dom  of  the  Mes- 
siah would  be  speedily  erected,  and  the  blessings 
thereof  to  be  conferred  upon  them,  yet  those  events 
would  not  transpire  till  after  the  decease  of  the  mas- 
ter ;  and  that  before  they  could  partake  of  the  bles- 
sings which  were  to  be  enjoyed  under  the  sovereign- 
ty of  the  Messiah,  they  must  perform  a  long  and  pain- 
ful course  of  service.     It  was  further  iatimated,  that 


40  THE    HISTORY    OF 

after  his  resurrection  and  attainment  to  the  posses- 
sion of  his  kingdom,  he  should  return  from  his  seat 
of  majesty,  in  order  strictly  to  account  with  his  ser- 
vants, and  distribute  rewards  among  those  who  had 
improved  the  treasure  committed  to  their  custody, 
and  execute  exemplary  vengeance  upon  those  who  had 
transgressed  his  commands,  or  omitted  their  utmost 
endeavors  to  promote  the  establishment  of  his  sove- 
reignty. 

This  parable  seems  to  have  been  founded  upon 
the  custom  of  the  kings  of  Judea  going  to  Rome,  in 
order  to  be  invested  with  the  powers  of  sovereignty 
by  Ccesar.  This  was  done  by  Herod  the  Great,  and 
Archelaus  his  son.  The  case  of  Archelaus  bears 
some  similitude  to  the  circumstances  mentioned  in 
the  parable.  After  his  departure  for  Rome,  the  Jews 
transmitted  complaints  to  Csesar,  expressing  their 
aversion  towards  Archelaus,  and  petitioning  that  he 
might  not  enjoy  the  powers  of  government,  although 
he  had  been  nominated  to  succeed  to  the  throne  by 
the  will  of  his  father.  Notwithstanding  this  opposi- 
tion, Archelaus  ascended  the  throne,  and  maintained 
an  arbritrary  and  tyrannical  government  for  the  space 
often  years  ;  when,  in  consequence  of  a  second  com- 
plaint from  his  subjects,  he  was  banished  to  Vienna. 

Upon  the  approach  of  the  passover,  vast  numbers 
of  the  Jews  repaired  to  Jerusalem,  in  order  to  purify 
themselves,  preparatory  to  the  celebration  of  the  feast. 
These  people  being  assembled  in  the  city,  earnest  en- 
quiries were  made  after  Jesus,  whom  they  suspected 
would  not  venture  to  attend  the  feast,  since  the  Sanhe- 
drim had  published  a  proclamation,  enjoining  the  peo- 
pie  to  employ  their  utmost  endeavors  to  discover  the 
retreat  of  Jesus,  and  to  give  information  thereof,  in 
order  that  he  might  be  apprehended. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  41 

Departing  from  the  house  of  Zaccheus  the  publican, 
our  blessed  Saviour  pursued  his  journey  towiirds  Je- 
rusalem ;  and  six  days  before  the  conimcnccmcnt  of 
the  passover,  he  arrived  at  Bethany,  and  repaired  to 
the  house  of  Lazarus,  whom  he  had  restored  to  life. 
A  supper  being  provided  for  the  entertainment  of  our 
Saviour,  Lazarus  sat  with  him  at  table,  and  Martha 
discharged  the  office  of  an  attendant.  During  the 
repast,  Marv  anointed  the  feet  of  our  Saviour  with  a 
costly  ointment  made  of  the  genuine  spikenard,  and 
wiped  them  with  the  hair  of  her  head. 

Hereupon  Judas  Iscariot  exclaimed  against  what  he 
called  an  unnecessary  profusion ;  saying,  that  Iiad 
the  ointment  been  sold,  it  would  have  produced  up- 
wards of  three  hundred  denarii,  equal  to  between  nine 
and  ten  pounds  of  English  money,  which  sum  might 
have  alleviated  the  distresses  of  many  indigentfamilies. 
It  was  not,  however,  because  he  had  any  real  desire 
to  relieve  the  misfortunes  of  the  poor,  that  he  spake 
this  in  their  favor  :  but  he  was  intrusted  with  the 
care  of  the  common  purse,  wherein  the  benevolences 
of  charitable  persons  were  deposited  ;  and  he  was 
accustomed  to  embezzle  part  of  the  money,  and  ap- 
ply it  to  his  private  use. 

Upon  this,  our  blessed  Saviour  desired  that  the  pi- 
ous offices  of  Mary  might  not  be  interrupted  ;  for  her 
observance  of  this  ceremony  was  to  solemnize  his 
approaching  death  ;  adding,  that  it  was  customary  for 
the  friends  and  relations  of  deceased  persons  to  em- 
balm their  bodies  with  spices  and  perfumes,  and  that 
they  would  have  sufficient  opportunities  of  manifest- 
ing their  charity  towards  the  poor  :  but  this  was  the 
last  opportunity  that  would  be  afforded  her  of  ex- 
pressing her  regard  towards  him,  since  he  should  in  a 
short  time  depart  from  amongst  the  sons  of  men. — 
"  Then  Jesus,  six  days  before  the  passover  came  to 

VOL.     II.  F 


42  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  Bethany,  where  Lazarus  was  which  had  been  dead, 
*'  whom  he  raised  from  the  dead.  There  they  made 
**  him  a  supper,  and  Martha  served  :  but  Lazarus  was 
*'  one  of  them  that  sat  at  table  with  him.  Then  took 
**  Mary  a  pound  of  ointment  of  spikenard  very  costly, 
*'  and  anointed  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  wiped  his  feet 
**  with  her  hair ;  and  the  house  was  filled  with  the 
"  odour  of  the  ointment.  Then  said  one  of  his  dis- 
"  ciples,  Judas  Iscariot,  Simon's  son,  which  should 
*'  betray  him,  Why  was  not  this  ointment  sold  for 
"  three  hundred  pence,  and  given  to  the  poor.  This 
"  he  said,  not  that  he  cared  for  the  poor  ;  because  he 
"  was  a  thief,  and  had  the  bag,  and  bare  what  was  put 
"  therein-  Then  said  Jesus,  Let  her  alone  :  against 
"  the  day  of  my  burying  hath  she  kept  this.  For  the 
'*  poor  always  ye  have  with  you  :  but  me  ye  have  not 
**  always."  John  xii.  1,  &c. 

We  have  already  related,  that  our  Saviour  was  in- 
vited to  the  house  of  a  Pharisee,  named  Simon,  when 
a  woman  of  an  abandoned  character  anointed  his  feet, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  St.  Luke  :  but  it  is  evi- 
dent, that  this  is  not  the  same  fact  which  is  mention- 
ed by  St.  John,  and  which  happened  in  the  fourth 
year  of  our  Saviour's  ministry  :  and,  besides  the  dif- 
ference of  time,  there  are  other  points  in  which  the 
narratives  materially  vary. 

There  is  another  relation  of  the  same  kind  in  Mat- 
thew and  Mark,  who  agree  in  the  circumstances,  and 
say,  the  event  happened  at  Bethany  in  the  house  of 
Simon  the  leper.  Many  writers  have  strongly  con- 
tended, that  this  is  the  same  story  mentioned  by  St. 
John,  because  Bethany  was  the  place  where  Mary  and 
her  sisier  Martha  resided  ;  and  John  has  not  express- 
ly said,  that  the  feast  was  at  Martha's  habitation. — 
This  evangelist,  however  says,  that  Martha  waited 
upon  the  guests,  which  she  would  scarcely  have  done 


OUtt    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  43 

at  the  house  of  Simon  :  and  they  also  contend,  that 
many  of  the  circumstances  correspond  with  those  re- 
corded by  St.  Matthew  and  St.  Mark.  Grotius  goes 
so  far  as  to  insist,  that  the  three  narratives  are  found- 
ed upon  a  single  fact,  notwithstanding-  there  is  so  ma- 
terial a  disagreement  between  the  particulars  menti- 
oned  by  St.  Luke,  and  those  recorded  by  the  other 
evangelists. 

Matthew,  Mark,  and  Luke,  agree  in  saying,  that 
at  a  feast,  a  woman  came  with  an  alabaster  box  of 
ointment,  and  poured  it  on  Jesus  :  but  it  does  not 
then  necessarily  follow,  either  that  Jesus  was  at  but 
one  feast,  or  that  he  was  acquainted  with  but  one  Si- 
mon. The  contrary  of  both,  indeed,  apj^ears  from 
the  gospels.  The  Simon  in  Matthew  and  Mark  is 
called  a  leper,  and  the  Simon  mentioned  by  Luke, 
is  said  to  have  been  a  Pharisee.  Anointing  with  oil, 
was  a  ceremony  commonly  practised  at  entertain- 
ments ;  and  therefore  it  is  not  extraordinary  that  it 
should  be  repeated  to  Jesus,  who  was  held  in  high 
veneration,  and  consequently  treated  with  every  pos- 
sible mark  of  respect. 

Luke  differs  from  the  other  evangelists  ;  informing 
us,  that  the  woman  washed  the  feet  of  Christ  with 
her  tears,  before  she  anointed  them  with  the  oint- 
ment ;  which  circumstance  the  others  would  scarcely 
have  omitted  in  relating  the  same  fact.  He  also  dif- 
fers very  remarkably  from  John,  in  saying,  the  wo- 
man was  of  a  lewd  character  ;  which  can  by  no  means 
be  applicable  to  Mary,  the  sister  of  Lazarus,  whom 
Jesus  applauded,  for  having  *'  chosen  that  good  part 
"  which  should  never  be  taken  from  her."  We  have 
no  reason  to  imagine,  that  the  woman  mentioned  by 
Matthew  and  Mark,  was  of  an  abandoned  and  licen- 
tious course  of  life,  for  nothing  of  that  kind  is  inti- 
mated by  either  of  them.     Thus  then  it  appears,  that 


44  THE    HISTORY    OF 

these  are  three  distinct  histories  ;  for  though  they 
correspond  in  many  particulars,  they  differ  very  es- 
sentially in  oihers,  and  therefore  cannot  reasonably 
be  supposed  to  relate  merely  one  fact. 

Upon  this  subject,  we  shall  only  add  a  remark  upon 
the  reply  of  Jesus  to  the  objection  advanced  by  Judas 
Iscariot,  when  he  observed  Mary  anointing  the  feet 
of  Christ.  From  what  our  Lord  said  upon  this  oc- 
casion, it  appears,  that  the  obligation  of  giving  alms, 
does  not  oppose  our  free  expences  in  doing  honor  to 
good  men.  Thus  Mary  bestowed  her  box  of  oint- 
ment ;  and  Joseph  of  Arimathea,  and  Nicodemus>, 
purchased  spices  for  the  interment  of  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour. 

Bethany  being  not  more  than  two  miles  distant  from 
Jerusalem  the  news  of  Christ's  arrival  was  speedily 
conveyed  to  that  celebrated  capital ;  and  great  num- 
bers of  the  people  came  from  thence,  as  well  as  from 
the  adjacent  parts  of  the  country,  in  order  to  behold 
our  Lord,  and  likewise  Lazarus,  whom  he  had  so  mi- 
raculously restored  to  life.  Great  numbers  of  the 
people  believed  in  the  resurrection  of  Lazarus,  and 
consequently  in  the  divinity  of  Christ :  but  the  news 
of  their  conversion  so  highly  exasperated  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Sanhedrim,  that  they  formed  a  resolution 
in  the  council,  of  exerting  every  possible  eifort  for 
sacrificing  the  lives  both  of  our  Saviour  and  Laza- 
rus. 

Though  our  Saviour  knew  the  barbarous  designs 
which  the  rulers  of  Jerusalem  had  projected  against 
him,  he  steadily  maintained  his  purpose  of  *'  fulfilling 
"  all  righteousness  :"  and  therefore,  so  far  was  he 
from  endeavoring  to  elude  the  malice  of  his  enemies, 
that  he  resolved  to  proceed  towards  the  capital  of  Ju- 
dea  in  the  most  public  manner. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  45 

Havins^  reposed  himself  at  Bethany  during  the  sab- 
bath, on  the  tbllovvini^  day  Jesus  pursued  his  journey 
towards  Jerusalem,  pussint^  over  that  part  of  the  Mount 
of  Olives,  which  belonged  to  Bethany  and  Bethpage. 
From  Bethpage  our  Lord  dispatched  two  of  his  dis- 
ciples into  the  *  opposite  village,  where  he  informed 
them  they  would  find  an  ass  tied  with  its  colt,  which 
latter  had  not  yet  been  backed  ;  and  he  commanded 
them  to  bring  to  him  both  the  ass  and  the  foal.  If 
any  person  should  enquire  as  to  the  cause  of  their  pro- 
ceeding, he  told  them,  that  they  should  say  their  mas- 
ter had  occasion  for  the  beasts,  and  they  would  re- 
ceive no  further  opposition.  Our  Saviour  determin- 
ed to  ride  to  Jerusalem  upon  an  ass,  agreeable  to  the 
prophecy  of  Zechariah.  "  Rejoice  greatly,  O  daugh- 
"  ter  of  Zion  ;  shout>  O  daughter  of  Jerusalem. — . 
*'  Behold,  thy  king  cometh  unto  thee  ;  he  is  just, 
"  and  having  salvation  ;  lowly,  and  riding  upon  an 
"  ass,  and  upon  a  colt,  the  foal  of  an  ass."  Zech. 
ix.  9. 

In  obedience  to  the  command  of  Jesus,  his  disciples 
went  to  the  village,  and  observed  an  ass  and  a  colt 
tied  near  a  building,  situated  in  a  place-  where  two 
roads  met.  While  they  were  untying  the  creatures, 
the  owner  demanded  of  them,  the  reason  why  they 
interferred  with  his  property  ;  but  upon  their  answer- 
ing as  Jesus  had  commanded,  he  freely  permitted 
them  to  drive  the  beasts  away  for  the  use  of  their  Mas- 
ter, to  whom  he  was  known.  Upon  the  return  of  the 
disciples,  the  usual  trappings  were  put  upon  the  f  colt, 

*  According  to  Bocbart,  a  small  village  two  miles  from  the  mount 
towards  the  south. 

t  St.  Matthew  says,  they  "put  on  them  their  clothes:"  but  St. 
Luke  mentions  the  colt  in  particular  ;  and  it  is  not  very  probable,  that 
in  so  short  a  journey  he  should  ride  upon  both.  In  St.  iVlutthew'stext, 
thei,  it  seems  necessary  to  admit  the  figure  called  Enallair^e  Numen. 


46  THE    HISTORY    OF 

and  mounting  the  beast,  Christ  proceeded  towards 
Jerusalem. 

In  the  mean  time  a  great  concourse  of  the  people 
who  had  repaired  to  Jerusalem  for  the  purpose  of 
celebrating  the  passover,  received  notice  of  the  ap- 
proach of  Jesus  by  the  way  of  the  Mount  of  Olives  : 
at  which  place  they  proceeded  to  meet  him,  carry- 
ing branches  of  palm  trees  in  their  hands  thereby  de- 
monstrating their  joy,  according  to  the  custom  of 
the  country. 

At  the  foot  of  Mount  Olivet,  the  multitude  joined 
in  magnifying  the  name  of  the  Almighty,  and  in  con- 
gratulating Jesus  ;  exclaiming,  All  hail  to  the  glorious 
Messiah,  the  descendant  of  David,  who  comes  to  Je- 
rusalem by  the  especial  appointment  of  God  !  Hail 
to  the  king  of  Israel  !  In  demonstration  of  their  un- 
bounded joy  upon  occasion  of  beholding  the  great 
Redeemer  of  Israel,  the  populace  *  strewed  the  road 
with  small  branches  of  trees,  and  spread  their  garments 
upon  the  ground  over  which  he  was  to  pass.  "  And  it 
'*  came  to  pass,  when  he  was  come  nigh  to  Bethpage 
"  and  Bethany,  at  the  mount  called  the  Mount  of 
"  Olives,  he  sent  two  of  his  disciples,  saying.  Go  ye 
*'  into  the  village  over  against  you  ;  in  the  which  at 
*'  your  entering,  you  shall  find  a  colt  tied,  whereon  yet 
*' never  man  sat;  loose  him  and  bring  him  hither.  And 
**  if  any  man  ask  you.  Why  do  ye  loose  him  ?  Thus 
"  shall  ye  say  unto  him.  Because  the  Lord  hath  need  of 

So  the  ark  is  said  to  rest  on  the  mountains  of  Ararat,  instead  of  upon 
oneofthem.  Gen.  viii.  4.  And  we  read  of  the  cities,  instead  of  the 
city,  in  which  Lot  dwelt.  Gen.  xix.   29. 

*  To  spread  the  roads  with  branches  of  trees,  flowers,  and  garments, 
when  emperors,  kings,  and  other  distinguished  personages  were  travel- 
ling, was  a  ceremony  in  common  use  in  ancient  days.  Of  this  we  have 
instances  in  Herodotus,  Plutarch,  and  other  writers. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUK.  47 

*  him.  And  they  that  were  sent,  wenttheii*  way,  and 
'  foiinfl  even  as  he  had  said  unto  them.  And  as  they 
'  were  loosing  the  colt,  the  owners  therefore  said  unto 
'  them,  Why  loose  ye  the  colt  ?  And  they  said,  The 
'  Lor'!  hath  ncccl  of  him.  And  they  brought  him  to 
'  Jcsub  ;  and  they  cast  their  garments  upon  the  colt 
'  and  they  set  Jesus  thereon.     And  as  he  went,  they 

*  spread  their  clothes  in  the  way.  And  when  he  was 
'  come  nigh,  even  now  at  the  descent  of  the  Mount 
'  of  Olives,  the  whole  multitude  of  the  disciples 
'  began  to  rejoice,  and  praise  God  with  a  loud  voice, 
'  for  all  the  mighty  works  that  they  had  seen  ;  saying, 
'  Blessed  be  the  king  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
'  Lord,  Peace  in  heaven,  and  glory  in  the  highest.*' 

Luke  xix.  29,  &,c. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  affronts  and  injuries 
which  our  blessed  Saviour  had  repeatedly  experienc- 
ed from  the  people  of  Jerusalem,  upon  his  approach- 
ing that  city,  he  would  not  refrain  from  expressing  a 
most  benevoicnt  concern  and  divine  tenderness  on  oc- 
casion of  those  dreadful  calamities,  which  he  foresaw 
would  shortly  be  inflicted  upon  the  people  as  a  pun- 
ishment for  their  obstinate  infidelity. 

While  our  blessed  Saviour  was  indulging  these 
compassionate  reflections,  some  of  the  Pharisees  de- 
sired Jesus  to  suppress  the  acclamations  of  the  po- 
pulace, since  the  praises  and  honors  they  bestowed 
upon  him  were  considered  by  the  magistrates  of  the 
city  as  instances  of  impiety,  and  as  proofs  of  a  rest- 
less and  discontented  spirit,  tending  to  foment  an  in- 
surrection. Hereupon  our  Saviour  said,  that  if  the 
multitude    were   silenced,    the   very  *  stones  would 


♦  This  proverbial  expression  was  here  introduced,  to  signify,  that  if 
the  disciples  of  Christ  should  be  silent,  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah 
would  be  prochimed  by  more  extraordinary  means  ;  even  by  the  Gen- 


48  THE    HISTORY    OF 

complain,  "  And  some  of  the  Pharisees  from  among 
*'  the  multitude,  said  unto  him,  Master,  rebuke  thy 
"  disciples.  And  he  answered  and  said  unto  them, 
"  I  tell  you,  that  if  these  should  hold  their  peace,  the 
**  stones  would  immediately  cry  out.  And  when  he 
"  was  come  near,  he  beheld  the  ciiy,  and  wept  over 
**  it,  saying,  If  thou  hadst  known,  even  thou,  at  least 
*'  in  this  thy  day,  the  things  which  belong  unto  thy 
"  peace  !  but  now  they  are  hid  from  thine  eyes.  For 
"  the  days  shall  come  upon  thee,  that  thine  enemies 
*'  shall  cast  a  trench  about  thee,  and  compass  thee 
**  round,  and  keep  thee  in  on  every  side,  and  shall 
"  lay  thee  even  with  the  ground,  and  thy  children 
*'  within  thee  ;  and  they  shall  not  leave  in  thee  one 
"  stone  upon  another  :  because  thou  knewest  not 
"  the  time  of  thy  visitation."  Luke  xix.  39,  &c. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  entered  Jerusalem,  attended 
by  so  immense  a  concourse  of  people,  that  the  whole 
city  was  thrown  into  a  state  of  confusion  "  And 
'*  when  he  was  come  into  Jerusalem,  all  the  city  was 
*'  moved,  saying,  Who  is  this  ?  And  the  multitude 
"  said,  This  is  Jesus  the  prophet  of  Nazareth  of  Gali- 
**  lee."  Matt.  xxi.  10,  11. 

Jesus  proceeded  immediately  to  the  temple,  amidst 
the  acclamations  of  the  applauding  multitude  ;  and 
alighting  from  the  ass,  he  entered  the  sacred  build- 
ing, and  took  a  survey  thereof :  but  as  night  was 
now  approaching,  he  remained  only  a  short  time  in 
the  city,  but  returned  with  his  apostles  to  Bethany, 
to  the  great  disappointment  of  the  people,  who  had 
flattered  themselves,  that  he  would  immediately  as- 
sume the  reins  of  government.  "  And  Jesus  enter- 
''  ed  into  Jerusalem,  and  into  the  temple  ;  and  when 

tiles,  wlio  were  considered  by  the  Jews  as  tiie  most  ignorant  and  con- 
temptible race  of  men. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  49 

"  he  had  looked  round  about  upon  all  thhigs,  and 
*•  now  the  even-tide  was  come,  he  went  out  unto 
"Bethany  with  the  twelve."   Mark  xi.  11. 

Early  on  tlie  following  morning,  Jesus,  accompani- 
ed by  his  apostles,  returned  from  the  town  of  Batha- 
ny  to  the  capital  of  Jedea.  Going  to  the  temple,  our 
Lord  found  the  outer  court  of  that  holy  edifice  crowd- 
ed w  ith  traders,  who  had  brought  thither  doves  and 
beasts  for  sacrifice,  which  they  exposed  to  sale.  The 
meek  and  righteous  Jesus  being  displeased  to  see  a 
place  consecrated  to  the  worship  of  God,  thus  profan- 
ed, he  drove  the  irreligious  and  venal  tribe  out  of 
the  temple,  overturning  the  seats  of  those  who  sold 
doves,  as  well  as  the  tables  of  the  money-changers. 
'•'■  And  Jesus  went  into  the  temple  of  God,  and  cast 
*'  out  all  them  that  bought  and  sold  in  the  temple,  and 
"  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  money-changers,  and 
"  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  doves  ;  and  said  unto 
*'  them,  Is  it  not  written,  My  house  shall  be  called  a 
"  house  of  prayer  i  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of 
'^  thieves."  Matt.  xxi.   13. 

Thus  did  our  Saviour  a  second  time  expel  the  pro- 
fane traders  from  the  place  peculiarly  consecrated 
to  the  worship  of  God.  But  had  he  not  acted  under 
the  immediate  influence  of  the  divine  Spirit,  it  would 
not  have  been  possible  for  him  to  have  driven  the 
mercenary  traders  from  the  temple  of  God.  With- 
out authority  from  the  Roman  emperor,  without  en- 
couragement or  countenance  from  the  rulers  of  Jeru- 
salem, without  arms  to  defend  himself,  or  terrify  the 
fierce  and  ungovernable  multitude,  this  mighty  re- 
former rescued  the  house  of  God  from  a  state  of  abo- 
minable profanation,  and  at  the  same  time  afforded 
a  signal  instance  of  his  divine  power  ;  and  this  great 
work  was  effected,  without  being  productive  either 
of  tumult  or  opposition. 

VOL.    ir.  c 


50  THE    HISTORY    OF 

After  the  expulsion  of  the  sacrilegious  traders,  the 
people  brought  into  the  temple  a  great  number  of 
persons  who  were  blind,  lame,  and  diseased,  and 
presented  them  to  Jesus,  who  removed  the  afflictions 
of  these  miserable  objects.  These  miraculous  cures 
had  such  an  effect  upon  the  multitude,  that  they 
proclaimed  our  Lord  to  be  the  Messiah,  who  was 
to  prove  the  great  deliverer  of  Israel.  "  And  the 
*'  blind  and  the  lame  came  to  him  in  the  temple,  and 
*^  he  healed  them.  And  when  the  chief  priests  and 
*'  scribes  saw  the  wonderful  things  that  he  did,  ai|d 
*'  the  children  crying  in  the  temple,  and  saying,  Ho- 
"  sanna  to  the  son  of  David  ;  they  were  sore  displeas' 
"  edj  and  said  unto  him,  Hearest  thou  what  these 
"  say  ?  And  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  yea.  Have  ye 
"  not  read,  out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings, 
"  thou  hast  perfected  praise  ?"  Matt.  xxi.  14,  15,  16. 
By  this  question,  which  our  blessed  Saviour  quoted 
from  the  eighth  Psalm,  he  intimated,  that  the  least 
considerable  of  the  works  of  the  Almighty,  had 
been  rendered  instrumental  in  glorifying  his  holy 
name,  on  account  of  his  unbounded  love  towards  the 
sons  of  sinful  men. 

Notwithstanding  the  cruel  and  sacrilegious  designs 
which  the  Sanhedrim  had  projected  against  our  bles- 
sed Redeemer,  he  continued  daily  to  repair  to  the 
temple,  and  there  to  instruct  the  people,  who  resort- 
ed to  him  in  great  numbers.  After  the  fatigues  of 
the  day,  he  was  accustomed  to  retire  to  Bethany, 
where,  on  account  of  the  benevolent  miracle  he  had 
performed  in  re:i.toring  Lazarus  to  life,  he  was  held 
in  high  veneration. 

Some  Greek  proselytes,  who,  though  uncircumcis- 
ed,  were,  notwithstanding,  worshippers  of  the  true 
God,  came  to  Jerusalem,  in  order  to  celebrate  the 
pa^gsovcr.     Having  heard  of  the  preaching  and  sur- 


OUtt    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  51 

prising  miracles  of  our  Saviour,  they  were  exceed- 
ingly desirous  of  beholding  a  person,  whose  extraor- 
dinary sanctity  and  benevolent  actions,  had  acquired 
him  so  eminent  a  degree  of  celebrity  ;  and  iherciore 
they  requested,  that  Philip  and  Bethsaida,  would  in- 
troduce them  to  his  presence.  But  Philip  being 
ignorant,  whether  his  master  would  be  willing  to 
receive  the  Greeks,  he  communicated  to  Andrew  the 
request  they  had  made  ;  and  these  disciples  agreed 
to  inform  Jesus  of  the  honor  which  the  Greeks  had 
solicited. 

Being  informed  of  the  request  the  Greeks  had 
made,  our  Lord  informed  his  disciples,  that  he  would 
willingly  admit  them  into  his  presence ;  and  at  the 
same  time  intimated,  that  the  time  was  approaching, 
when  the  conversion  of  the  Geniiles  would  be  effect- 
ed ;  saying,  however,  that  those  who  acknowledged 
him  as  the  Messiah,  and  yet  expected  that  he  would 
affect  the  pomp  and  splendor  of  a  temporal  monarch, 
would  be  disappointed.  The  period  approaches,  said 
our  blessed  Redeemer,  when  he  who  now  appears  to 
you  as  one  of  the  common  race  of  mortals,  will  be  ex- 
alted to  the  highest  pinnacle  of  glory,  and  be  mani- 
fested not  to  the  Jews  alone,  but  also  to  the  Gentiles. 
But  this,  he  said,  could  not  happen  till  after  his  de- 
cease ;  illustrating  the  necessity  there  was  for  his  dy- 
ing, by  delivering  the  similitude  of  a  grain  of  corn, 
which,  if  not  sown  in  the  earth,  remains  unfruitful ; 
but  which,  if  buried  in  the  ground,  yields  a  vast  in- 
crease of  fruit.  It  was  absolutely  necessary,  that  he 
should  die  and  be  buried,  before  his  ascension  to  the 
glorious  throne  of  his  heavenly  Father  ;  and  his  dis- 
ciples must  also  expect  to  be  maliciously  and  cruelly 
persecuted  on  his  account ;  but  if  they  persevered  re- 
solutely in  supporting  his  cause,  firmly  resolving  to 
forfeit  their  lives,  rather  than  violate  their  obedience, 
he  would  amply  reward  their  constancy  and  fortitude, 


52  THE    HISTORY    OF 

by  bestowing  upon  iheni  the  blessings  of  immortality. 
"  And  there  came  certain  Greeks  among  them,  that 
*'  came  up  to  worship  at  the  feast.  The  same  came 
"  therefore  to  Philip,  which  was  of  Bethsaida  of  Ga- 
"  lilee,  and  desired  him,  saying,  Sir,  we  would  see 
"Jesus,  Pliilip  Cometh  and  telleth  Andrew;  and 
*'  again,  Andrew  and  Philip  tell  Jesus.  And  Jesus 
"  answered  them,  saying,  The  hour  is  come,  that  the 
"  Son  of  man  should  be  glorified.  Verily,  verily,  I 
"  say  unto  you,  except  a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the 
"  ground  and  die,  it  abideth  alone  :  but  if  it  die,  it 
"  bringeth  forth  much  fruit.  He  that  loveth  his  life 
*'  shall  lose  it ;  and  he  that  hateth  his  life  in  this  world, 
"  shall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal,"  John  xii.  20,  &c. 

Our  Saviour  further  said,  that  whoever  wished  to 
be  numbered  among  his  faithful  disciples,  must  adopt 
the  example  which  his  conduct  exhibited  to  them,  for 
the  purpose  of  teaching  them  the  means  of  securing 
their  eternal  salvation  ;  and  such  faithful  servants, 
after  this  transitory  life,  should  reside  with  him  in  the 
regions  of  perpetual  bliss.  To  convince  his  disciples, 
that  the  conditions  he  imposed  upon  them  were  not 
more  severe  than  those  to  which  he  was  himself  sub- 
jected, he  acknowledged  that  he  was  greatly  afflicted, 
upon  considering  the  calamities  which  he  was  shortly 
to  endure.  And  he  now  addressed  himself  to  his  hea- 
venly Father,  praying  that  he  would  afford  a  demon- 
stration of  the  divinity  of  his  mission..  "  If  any  man 
*'  serve  me,  let  him  follow  me  ;  and  where  I  am,  there 
"  shall  also  my  servant  be.  If  any  man  serve  me, 
*'  him  will  my  Father  honor.  Now  is  my  soul  troub- 
"  led  ;  and  what  shall  I  say  ?  Father,  save  me  from 
"  this  hour  :  but  for  this  cause  came  I  unto  this 
*^  hour.  Father,  glorify  thy  name."  John  xii.  26, 
27,  28. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  had  no  sooner  pronounced  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  53 

above  words,  than  tlie  voice  of  the  Almighty  was 
heard  from  the  heavens.  The  people  were  fully  sa- 
tisfied, that  the  voice  was  preternatural  ;  for  though 
it  resembled  thunder  in  loudness,  it  was  so  articulate, 
as  to  be  clearly  understood  by  the  astonished  multi- 
tude. "  Then  came  there  a  voice  from  heaven,  say- 
*'  ing,  I  have  both  glorified  it,  and  I  will  glorify  it 
"  again.  The  people  therefore  that  stood  by,  and 
"  heard  it,  said,  that  it  thundered  :  others  saidyan 
"angel  spake  to  him."  John  xii.  28,  29.  Jn  the 
above  manner  did  the  Almighty  signify,  that  his  hd- 
Jy  name  had  been  alreaely  glorified  by  the  miracles 
Jesus  had  wrought,  and  that  it  should  be  again  glo- 
rified by  further  manifestations  of  his  divine  pow- 
er. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  now  informed  the  multitude, 
that  the  voice  they  had  heard  was  not  pronounced  on 
his  account,  but  to  confirm  them  in  their  faith  of  the 
divinity  of  his  mission.  ''■  This  voice  came  not  be- 
*'  cause  of  me,  but  for  your  sakes,''  John  xii.  30. — 
It  was  meant  to  confirm  what  I  have  predicted  to 
to  you  concerning  my  sufferings,  death,  resurrection, 
and  the  conversion  of  the  Gentiles  to  the  precepts 
of  my  gospel.  Further  to  enforce  this  doctrine,  Je- 
sus said,  that  the  time  was  approaching,  when  the 
power  of  Satan,  under  whose  dominion  the  people 
were  enslaved,  would  be  destroyed,  and  when  ex- 
emplary justice  would  be  executed  upon  idolatrous 
and  all  other  wicked  persons,  and  the  light  of  the 
gospel  be  spread  throughout  the  universe  ;  adding, 
that  he  himself  should  be  exalted  upon  the  throne  of 
his  heavenly  Father.  "  Now  is  the  judgment  of  this 
"  world  :  now  shall  the  prince  of  this  world  be  cast 
"  out.  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will 
*'  draw  all  men  unto  me.  This  he  said,  signifying 
•*  what  death   he  should  die."  John  xii.   31,  32,' 33. 


54  THE    HISTORY    OF 

Some  of  the  auditors  of  our  blessed  Saviour  ima- 
gined,  that  the  words  of  Jesus  were  contradictory  to 
what  they  by  the  scriptures  were  taught  to  believe 
concerning  the  Messiah,   who,  according  to  the  sa- 
cred writings,   was  never  to  die  ;   and  yet,  said  they, 
you  who  have  assumed   that  sacred  character,  now 
predict  your  own  death.     Since  his  prophecy  of  his 
approaching  death,  and  what  was  written  concerning 
him  in  the  law,  appeared  to  them  to  be  irreconcilea- 
ble  ;   they  asked,  whether  he  was  really  the  iMessiah, 
or  whether  that  appellation  belonged  to  a  person  who 
was  not  yet  made  known  to  them.     "  The  people  an- 
*'  swered  him,  We  have  heard  out  of  the  law,  that 
*' Christ  abideth  forever:  and  how  sayest  thou,  the 
"  Son  of  man  must  be  lifted  up  ?  Who  is  the  Son  of 
"  man  ?  Then  Jesus  said  unto  them,  yet  a  little  while 
"  is  the  light  with  you  :   walk  while  ye  have  the  light, 
"  lest  darkness  come  upon  you  ;   for  he  that  walketh 
"  in  darkness,  knoweth  not  whether  he  goeth.    While 
**  ye  have  light,  believe  in  the  light,  that  ye  may  be 
*Vthe   children  of  light."  John  xii.  34,  35,36.    Thus 
oiir  blessed  Saviour  intimated,  that  the  time  would 
soon  arrive,   when  they  would  be  deprived  of  the  be- 
nefit of  his   preaching  and   miracles  ;    and  therefore 
it  behoved  them  to  adhere  to  the  precepts  of  his  gos- 
pel, as  the  infallible  means  of  qualifying  themselves 
to  enjoy  the  blessings   of  the  kingdom   of  heaven ; 
adding,  that  if  they  acted  in  contradiction  to  his  pre- 
cepts,  they   vvould  be  afflicted  with  a  spiritual  blind- 
ness and  rendered  incapable  of  enjoying  that  state  of 
perpetual  felicity,    which   had  been  promised  to   all 
those  who  conformed  to  his  doctrines. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  now  retired  from  the  temple, 
and  for  a  short  time  secluded  himself  from  society, 
that  his  devotions  might  not  be  interrupted.  He  de- 
parted from  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  probability,  retreat- 
ed, as  before,    to  the  town  of  Bcthanv.     Notwiih- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUK.  5b 

Standing  the  many  incontcstible  proofs  that  Jesus  had 
aftbrdecl  of  his  being  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  messen- 
ger appointed  by  his  heavenly  Father  to  effect  the 
salvation  of  mankind,  great  numbers  of  the  Jews 
still  considered  him  as  an  impostor ;  and  therefore, 
what  Isaiah  had  said  of  the  people  of  his  time, 
may  be  applied  to  those  who  lived  in  the  days  of 
Christ.  "■  They  have  not  known,  nor  understood  ; 
*'  for  he  hath  shut  their  eyes,  that  they  cannot  see ; 
"  and  hardened  their  hearts,  that  they  cannot  un- 
''  derstand."  Isa.  xliv.  18.  Thus  the  prophet  sig- 
nified, that  many  of  the  Jews  would  be  of  such  con- 
tumacious and  obdurate  dispositions,  that  what  was 
calculated  for  enlightening  their  vmderstandings, 
would  have  an  effect  immediately  contrary. 

It  is  here  necessary  to  introduce  some  explication 
of  the  above  prophecy  of  Isaiah,  which  St.  John  ap- 
plied to  the  Jews.  The  words  of  the  evangelist  are 
these.  *'  But  though  he  had  done  so  many  miracles 
*'  before  them,  yet  they  believed  not  on  him  :  that 
*'  the  saying  of  Isaiah  the  prophet  might  be  fulfill- 
*'  ed  which  he  spoke.  Lord  who  hath  believed  our 
*'  report  ?  and  to  whom  hath  the  arm  of  the  Lord 
"  been  revealed  ?  Therefore  they  could  not  believe, 
'*  because  that  Isaiah  had  said  again,  He  hath  blinded 
"  their  eyes,  and  hardened  their  hearts,  that  they 
*'  should  not  see  with  their  eyes,  nor  understand  with 
*'  their  hearts,  and  be  converted,  and  I  should  heal 
"  them."  John  xii.  37,  &c.  Though  in  our  trans- 
lation  we  read,  He  hath  blinded  their  eyes,  and  har- 
dened theii;-  hearts  ;  the  meaning  of  the  writer  was, 
that  throiigli  obstinacy  and  wickedness  they  were 
wholly  irreclaimable.  The  personal  is  substituted 
for  the  impersonal,  and  the  active  for  the  passive  ;  so 
that  by  reversing  the  structure  of  the  phraseology, 
the  reading  would  run  thus  ;  "  Their  eyes  are  blinded, 
"  and  their  hearts  are  hardened."     The  Greek  inter- 


56  THE   HISTORY    OF 

preters  of  Isaiah,  and  the  Chaldee  paraphrast,  corres- 
pond in  giving  the  foliovving  version  :  **  Their  eyes 
*'  are  shut  and  darkened,  lest  they  should  see."  And 
that  this  is  the  true  import  of  the  prophet's  words 
is  indisputably  certain  ;  for  it  was  not  by  the  will  of  the 
Almio:htv,  but  throuirhthe  influence  of  their  own  evil 
dispositions,  that  they  were  afflicted  with  spiritual 
blindness.  Though  God  is  omniscient,  his  know- 
ledge of  past,  present,  and  future  events,  has  no  such 
influence  upon  the  will  of  man,  as  to  incite  or  neces- 
sitate him  to  improper  actions.  If  the  v.  ill  of  wicked 
men  was  not  free  from  every  restraint,  but  such  as  is 
imposed  upon  them  by  the  dominion  of  Satan,  our 
blessed  and  benevolent  Saviour  would  not  have  so 
passionately  exhorted  the  Jews  to  embrace  his  gos- 
pel. Our  Lord  sajs,  '■'  God  sent  not  his  Son  into 
*•'  the  w^orld  to  condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world 
''  through  him  might  be  saved.  These  things  I  say 
*•■  unto  you,  that  you  might  be  ^aved.  Hov\  often 
*'  would  I  have  gathered  you,  and  yc  would  not.  Ye 
"  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye  might  have  life." 

Although  the  generality  of  the  Jews  refused  to  ac- 
knowledge Christ  as  the  iVIessiah,  who  they  sapposed 
would  establish  the  seat  of  his  government  in  Jerusa- 
lem, and  reign  over  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth, 
yet  many  of  them  became  converts  to  his  gospel ;  and 
among  these  were  some  of  the  members  of  the  San- 
hedrim. But  though  these  people  acknowledged 
Christ  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  they  pusillanimously 
concealed  their  faith,  lest  they  should  render  them- 
selves odious  to  the  other  members  of  the  council  ; 
for  th^^y  were  more  ambitious  of  power  and  popula- 
rity among  the  multitude,  than  desirous  of  acquiring 
the  approbation  of  the  Almighty;  whose  displeasure 
they  were  willing  to  incur,  rather  than  expose  them- 
selves to  the  hazard  of  being  expelled  the  synagogue. 


OUR     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  ^7 

Upon  the  return  of  our  Saviour  to  the  temple,  in 
order  to  encourage  the  faith  of  those  who  believed  him 
to  be  the  Messiah,  he  exhorted  them  to  a  rigid  ad- 
herence to  the  principles  of  his  gospel.  He  who  be- 
comes a  convert  to  my  doctrines,  doeg  not  repose  faith 
in  my  preaching,  so  much  as  he  acknowledges  the 
power  and  goodness  of  God,  vvlio  by  the  miracles 
which  he  has  enabled  me  to  perform,  has  plainly  de- 
monstrated, that  my  commission  is  derived  immedi- 
ately from  him  ;  and  that  what  I  execute  upon  earth, 
is  perfectly  consistent  with  his  divine  pleasure. — 
Whoever  properly  reflects  on  the  great  works  I  have 
wrought,  must  be  convinced,  that  I  act  by  virtue  of 
the  divine  authority  ;  without  which,  it  would  not 
have  been  possilile  for  me  to  perform  the  great  mira- 
cles of  which  you  have  been  witnesses.  I  am  come 
into  the  world  for  the  great  purpose  of  enlightening  it 
by  my  gospel,  and  to  dispel  those  clouds  of  ignorance 
and  superstition,  in  which  the  minds  of  mankind  are 
involved. 

But  the  period  is  approaching,  when  I  shall  inflict 
exemplary  justice  upon  the  incredulity  of  those  who 
])crsevere  in  rejecting  the  offers  which  I  make  them 
for  securing  their  eternal  salvation.  My  design  is 
not  to  condemn  and  punish,  but  to  save  mankind,  by- 
reclaiming  them  from  their  abominable  iniquities.— 
Those,  however,  who  disregard  my  admonitions, 
shall,  on  the  great  day  of  judgment,  be  fatally  con- 
vinced of  the  heinous  sin  of  their  incorrigible  ob- 
stinacy, in  disregarding  those  lenient  measures  which 
I  pursue,  in  order  to  direct  them  into  the  paths  of 
eternal  life  and  salvation.  A  due  observation  of  the 
commands  of  the  Almighty,  will  infallibly  entitle  you 
to  participate  with  me  in  the  blessings  of  immorta- 
lity :  and  in  thus  proposing  to  you  the  means  of  ob- 
taining everlasting  life,  I  act  agreeably  to  the  bene- 
volent will  of  my  heavenly  Father.     *'  Nevertheless, 

VOL.     II.  H 


58 


THE    HISTORY    Oi 


'  among  the  chief  rulers  also  many  believed  on  him  : 
'  but  because  of  the  Pharisees  they  did  not  confess 
'  him,  lest  they  should  be  put  out  of  the  synagogue  : 

*  for  they  loved  the  praise  of  man  more   than   the 

*  praise  of  God.     Jesus  cried  and   said,  He  that  be- 

*  lieveih  on  me,  believeth  not  on  me,  but  on  him 

*  that  sent  me.  I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world, 
'  that  whosoever  believeth  on  me  should  not  abide 

*  in  darkness.  And  if  any  man  hear  my  words, 
^  and  believe  not,  I  judge  him  not ;  for  I  come  not 
'  to  judge  the  world,  but  to   save  the  world.     He 

*  that  rejecteth  me,  and  receiveth  not  my  words, 
'  hath  one  that  judgcth  him  :  the  word  that  I  have 
'  spoken,  the  same  shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day. 
'  For  I  have  not  spoken  of  myself,  but  the  Father 
'  which  sent  me;  he  gave  me  a  commandment  what 
'  I  should  say,  and  what  I  should  speak.  And  I  know 
'that  his  commandment  is  life  everlasting :  what- 
'  soever  I  speak  therefore,  even  as  the  Father  said 
'unto  me,  so  I  speak."   John  xii.  42,  &c.     Having 

delivered  the  above  discourses,  our  blessed  Saviour 
returned  from  Jerusalem  to  Bethany,  accompanied  by 
his  twelve  apostles. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  59 


CHAP.  XXXIII. 

In  his  way  from  Bethany  to  Jerusalem^  Jesus  curses  a 
Jig  tree^  which  immediately  withers.    The  rulers  of 
Jerusalem  conspire  to  effect  the  destruction  of  Christ. 
The  power  of  faith  ^  and  the  necessity  offorgivJiess. 
The  rulers  of  the  Jews  question  Jesus  as  to  the  au- 
thority by  which  he  had  expelled  the  traders  from  the 
temple,  and  assumed  the  privilege  of  publicly  dis- 
coursing to  the  people  ;  and  he  retorts  upon^  and  con- 
futes them.     Our  Saviour  delivers  the  parables  of 
the  father  and  two  sons,  and  of  the  vineyard  that 
was  hired  by  husbandmen.     Parable  of  the  wed- 
ding supper ,  and  of  the  man  who  was  found  without 
a  wedding  garment.     The  Pharisee'^  concert  mea- 
sures for  exposing  Jesus  to  the  enmity  of  the  popu- 
lace, and  send  different  people  to  examine  him  ;  but 
he  exposes  the  futility   of  their  discourses.     The 
Sadducecs  propose  a  question  to  Jesus  concerjiing  a 
woman  who  had  seven  husbands ;  whereupon  our 
Lord  finds  occasion  of  addressing  them  on  the  sub- 
ject of  a  future  state.     Our  Saviour  beco?nes  the 
object  of  popular  admiration.     In  reply  to  a  ques- 
tion proposed  by  a  lawyer,  Jesus  explains,  which  is 
the  most  important  precept  amongst  the  legal  insti" 
tutions  ;  and  he  commends  another  of  the  same  pro- 
fession, in  consequence  of  his  having  made  a  perti- 
nent remark.     Jesus  questions  the  Pharisees  con-^ 
cerning  some  words  of  David,  afid  they  are  unable 
to  offer  any  reply.     Different  sects  among  the  Jews. 

J\T  the  dawn  of  the  following  morning,  our  Savi- 
our, accompanied  by  his  twelve  apostles,  departed 
from  Bethany,  and  repaired  again  towards  the  capi- 
tal of  Judea.     On  the  road,   our  Saviour  perceived  a 


60  THE    HISTORY    OF 

fig-tree,  which  from  the  abundance  of  its  foliage, 
promised  to  afford  fruit ;  and  being  hungry,  he  ap- 
proached the  tree,  expecting  to  find  figs  to  satisfy 
his  appetite.  But  perceiving  that  the  tree  was  bar- 
ren, he  thence  took  occasion  to  represent  the  de- 
plorable state  of  the  obstinate  Jews,  who  were  inca- 
pable of  producing  the  fruits  of  virtue  ;  and  there- 
fore, pointing  to  the  tree,  he  pronounced  upon  it  the 
curse  of  barrenness,  and  it  immediately  withered. 
"  Now  in  the  morning  as  he  returned  into  the  city 
"  he  hungered.  And  when  he  saw  a  fig-tree  in  the 
"  way,  he  came  unto  it,  and  found  nothing  thereon 
^^  but  leaves  only,  and  said  unto  it,  Let  no  fruit 
"  grow  on  thee  henceforward  for  ever.  And  present- 
"  ly  the  fig-tree  withered  away.  And  when  the  dis- 
*'  ciples  saw  it,  they  marvelled,  saying,  How  soon  is 
"  the  fig-tree  withered  away  ?  Jesus  answered  and 
*'  said  unto  them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  If  ye  have 
*^  faith,  and  doubt  not,  ye  shall  not  only  do  this 
*'  which  is  done  to  the  fig-tree,  but  also  if  ye  shall 
"  say  unto  this  mountain.  Be  thou  removed,  and  be 
*'  thou  cast  into  the  sea,  it  shall  be  done."  Matt.  xxi. 
18,  &c. 

This  action  was  entirely  emblematical,  and  intend- 
ed to  perfigure  the  speedy  destruction  of  the  Jewish 
nation,  in  consequence  of  their  unfruitfulness  in  re- 
ligion and  virtue,  notwithstanding  the  advantages 
they  enjoyed  in  the  circumstance  of  our  Saviour 
preaching  to  them  the   ways  of  salvation. 

After  relating,  nearly  in  the  same  words  of  St.  Mat- 
thew, that  our  Lord  found  no  fruit  on  the  tree,  St. 
Mark  adds,  "  For  the  time  of  figs  was  not  yet."  It 
plainly  appears  then,  that  this  was  a  species  of  fig-tree, 
which  had  leaves  of  sufficient  growth,  to  induce  the 
expectation  that  it  was  not  destitute  of  fruit ;  it  is  also 
evident,  that  this  was  a  particular  kind  of  tree,  be- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  6l 

cause  it  is  distinguished  by  havini^  leaves  when  other 
fig-trees  had  none,  or  only  such  as  were  small  and 
tender  ;  and  that  the  former  species  abounded  in 
the  neighborhoods  of  Bcthpage,  Bethany,  and  the 
Mount  of  Olives,  we  are  assured  upon  indisputable 
authority. 

Jesus  approached  the  tree  in  expectation  of  find- 
ing fruit,  a  short  time,  probably  four  days,  previous 
to  the  passover,  or  the  time  of  his  crucifixion  ;  and 
this  appears,  from  the  strict  connection  of  the  sub- 
sequent discourses  and  actions  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer, as  recorded  in  the  gospels  of  St.  Matthew 
and  St.  Mark.  The  passover  is  well  known  to  have 
been  in  the  month  of  Nisan,  or  about  the  end  of 
our  March,  or  the  beginning  of  April. 

The  tenderness  of  the  branches,  and  the  putting 
forth  of  the  leaves  of  the  ordinary  fig-tree,  are  cir- 
cumstances appealed  toby  our  Saviour  himself;  and 
that  soon  after  his  pronouncing  the  curse  of  barrenness 
upon  the  tree  in  question,  as  natural  indications  of 
the  approach  of  summer.  It  would  therefore  be  ab- 
surd to  supose,  that  Jesus  could  expect  to  gather  the 
common  kind  of  figs  at  a  season  five  months  before 
their  time  of  arriving  at  perfection. 

It  is  clearly  proved  from  the  Talmudist  cited  by 
the  learned  Lightfoot,  that  the  ordinary  figs  of  Judea 
did  not  arrive  to  perfection  till  five  months  after  the 
middle  of  Nisan  ;  and  the  same  Jewish  writers,  ex- 
clusive of  the  common  sort,  describe  various  differ- 
ent species  of  figs ;  and  they  particularly  mention 
one  kind  of  tree,  which  bore  leaves  through  all  the 
seasons  of  the  year,  and  was  seldom  destitute  of 
fruit;  and  this  tree  was  called  Benoth-Shuac.  Ac- 
cording to  these  writers,  the  Benoth-Shuac  produc- 
ed figs   every  year;  which,  however  did  not  come 


62  THE    HISTORY    OF 

to  perfection  till  the  third  year  ;  and  it  bore  figs 
of  three  difterent  sorts  at  one  time  ;  the  fruit  of  the 
present  year,  and  of  the  two  years  preceding. — 
Other  trees,  they  inform  us,  produced  ripe  fruii  in 
two  years  ;  and  therefore  a  part  of  it,  must  have  hung 
upon  them  during  the  winter.  The  tree,  on  which 
our  Saviour  expected  to  find  fruit,  must  have  been 
one  of  the  two  sorts  above-mentioned,  w^hich  bore 
ripe  fruit  through  all   the  seasons. 

Pliny  and  Theophrdstus  aver,  that  there  are  a  sort 
of  fig-trees  in  Syria  and  Greece,  having  leaves  conti- 
nually upon  them  and  bearing  at  once,  both  old  fruit 
and  young.  And  the  emperor  Julian  asserts,  that 
there  is  a  kind  of  fig-tree  at  Damascus  in  Syria,  which 
bears  both  old  and  young  fruit  at  the  same  time  ;  and 
this  famous  apostate  adds,  that  the  uninterrupted  suc- 
cession of  fruit  on  the  same  tree,  mentioned  in  Ho- 
mer's description  of  the  garden  of  Alcinous,  was  ve- 
rified in  a  fig-tree  at  Damascus. 

Baumgarten  assures  us,  that  in  December  1507,  he 
found  flowers  and  ripe  fruits,  growing  on  the  same 
trees  in  the  neighborhood  of  Jericho  ;  and  in  January, 
abundance  of  ripe  fruit  at  Baroot  in  Syria.  And 
Tournefort  says,  that  some  sorts  of  figs  grow  in  the 
Archipelago  in  winter,  spring,  and  summer  :  but  that 
the  garden  or  ordinary  figs,  are  not  ripe  till  the  latter 
end  of  August,  or  the  beginning  of  September. 

Our  Lord,  as  we  had  before  observed,  had  all  the 
innocent  infirmities  of  human  nature  :  and  though  it 
was  *'  his  meat  and  drink  to  do  the  will  of  his  Fa- 
*'  ther,"  yet  his  exhausted  spirits  were,  of  necessity, 
to  be  repaired  by  food.  It  is  true,  that  he  might  have 
appeased  his  appetite,  by  the  same  miraculous  means 
which  he  had  repeatedly  exerted  for  supplying  the 
necessities  of  the  multitude  ;  but  where  human  means 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  63 

could  be  had  recourse  to,  it  was  his  custom  to  reserve 
h.^  miraculous  powers  for  occasions  of  high  import- 
ance. 

The  members  of  the  Sanhedrim  having  listened  to 
the  discourses  of  Jesus,  they  became  exceedmgly 
alarmed,  lest  he  should  obtain  such  an  ascendency 
over  the  multitude,  as  would  render  it  dangerous  for 
tliem  to  oppose  him  ;  and  therefore  they  assembled, 
in  order  to  concert  measures  for  effecting  his  destruc- 
tion. Knowing  the  malignant  and  barbarous  designs 
which  the  rulers  of  Jerusalem  had  projected,  our  Lord 
constantly  retired  from  the  city  in  the  evening,  lest 
under  favor  of  the  darkness  of  night,  he  should  be 
privately  attacked  by  his  enemies. 

The  day  after  Jesus  had  pronounced  the  curse  of 
barrenness  upon  the  fig-tree,  as  he  was  passing  as  usual 
towards  Jerusalem,  in  order  to  instruct  the  people  in 
the  temple,  the  apostles  observed,  that  the  fig-tree  was 
dried  up  :  and  Peter  requested  his  Master  to  remark 
the  circumstance.  Hereupon  Jesus  said.  That  their 
was  no  cause  for  their  expressing  surprize,  that  the 
tree  had  decayed  at  his  command,  since,  provided  they 
reposed  a  steady  fuith  in  the  power  and  goodness  of 
God,  they  would  be  able  to  effect  more  extraordinary 
miracles  ;  for  if  they  ordered  Mount  Olivet  to  remove 
into  the  sea,  it  would  start  from  its  foundations  and 
obey  their  command  ;  for  the  Almighty  had  gracious- 
ly promised  to  comply  with  the  petitions  of  those 
who  strictly  conformed  to  his  divine  pleasure.  But 
our  blessed  Saviour  recalled  to  their  recollection,  that 
if  they  hoped  to  obtain  a  remission  of  their  sins  from 
his  heavenly  Father,  they  must  forgive  those  from 
whom  they  had  sustained  injuries  ;  for  without  per- 
forming this  just  condition  on  their  part,  it  would  be 
fruitless  to  hope  for  pardon  of  their  trespasses  against 
the  Almighty.    *'  And  in  the  morning,  as  they  passed 


64  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  by,  tliey  saw  the  fig-tree  dried  up  from  the  roots. 
*'  And  Peter  calling  to  remembrance,  saith  unto  him, 
"  Master,  behold  the  tree  which  thou  cure-edst  is  wi- 
**  thered  away.  And  Jesus  answering, saiih  unto  them, 
*'  Have  faith  in  God.  For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that 
**  whosoever  shall  say  unto  this  mountain,  Be  thou 
"  removed,  and  be  thou  cast  into  the  sea,  and  shall 
*'  not  doubt  in  his  heart,  but  shall  believe  that  those 
**  things  which  he  saith  shall  come  to  pass,  he  shall 
*'  have  whatsoever  he  saith.  Therefore  I  say  unto 
**  you,  what  things  soever  ye  desire  when  ye  pray, 
*'  believe  that  ye  receive  them,  and  ye  shall  have  them. 
**  And  when  ye  stand,  praying,  forgive,  if  ye  have 
"  ought  against  any  ;  that  your  Father  also  which  is 
"  in  heaven,  may  forgive  you  your  trespasses.  But 
*'  if  ye  do  not  forgive,  neither  will  your  Father  which 
"  is  in  heaven  forgive  you  your  trespasses."  Mark 
xi.  20,  &c. 

But  to  return  to  what  occured  on  the  preceding  day. 
After  he  had  cursed  the  fig  tree,  Jesus  proceeded  to 
the  temple,  and  there  walked  with  his  disciples,  and 
instructed  them  in  the  nature  and  principles  of  his 
gospel.  A  deputation  from  the  supreme  council  of  the 
Jewish  nation  now  came  to  him,  and  enquired  by  what 
authority  he  had  presumed  to  expel  the  traders  from 
the  temple,  and  publicly  to  instruct  the  people  ;  and 
whether  he  made  pretensions  to  the  character  of  a 
prophet,  a  priest,  or  a  king  ;  observing,  that  persons 
of  no  other  descriptions  were  qualified  to  introduce 
alterations  either  in  the  constitution  of  the  church  or 
state  ;  and  if  he  claimed  either  of  the  above-mention- 
ed characters,  they  demanded  from  whom  he  derived 
his  commission.  Instead  of  replying  to  the  Phari- 
sees, Jesus  said  he  had  a  question  to  propose  to  them, 
and  if  they  would  resolve  him,  he  would  candidly 
answer  to  the  demands  they  had  made.  He  then  de- 
sired they  would  communicate  to  him  their  opinion 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUU.  65" 

concerning  John  the  Baptist,  both  with  respect  to  his 
preaching,  and  baptizing  proselytes  ;  and  to  declare, 
whether  they  supposed  him  to  have  acted  in  virtue 
of  his  own  authority,  or  in  consequence  of  a  com- 
mission delegated  to  him  by  the  Almighty  ?  *'  And 
'*  they  came  again  to  Jerusalem  ;  and  as  he  was  walk- 
*'  ing  in  the  temple,  there  came  to  him  the  chief 
"  priests,  and  the  scribes,  and  the  elders,  and  say  un- 
*'  to  him,  By  what  authority  doest  thou  these  things  ? 
*'  and  who  gave  thee  this  authority  to  do  these  things  ? 
"  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  I  will  also 
*'  ask  you  one  question,  and  answer  me,  and  I  will  tell 
"  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these  things.  The  bap- 
''  tismof  John,  was  it  from  heaven,  or  of  men  ?  An« 
"  swer  me."  Mark  xi.  27,  &c. 

The  Pharisees  were  utterly  disconcerted  by  the 
above  question  ;  for  if  they  declared  John  to  have 
acted  by  the  divine  authority,  they  must,  as  a  neces- 
sary consequence,  have  admitted  the  divinity  of  Jesus, 
whom  the  Baptist  had  publicly  proclaimed  to  be  the 
Messiah  ;  and  on  the  contrary,  if  they  denied  the  di- 
vine authority  of  John,  they  were  apprehensive  of  in- 
curring the  displeasure  of  the  multitude,  who  would 
probably  stone  them  to  death,  smce  they  almost  u;<i- 
versally  esteemed  the  Baptist  to  have  been  a  prophet. 
These  considerations  induced  them  to  decline  offering 
any  reply  to  the  question  proposed  by  Jesus,  to  whom 
they  acknowledged,  that  they  were  incapable  of  de- 
ciding, as  to  the  authority  b\  which  John  had  preach- 
ed, and  performed  the  ceremony  of  baptism.  Our 
S.iviour  now  said,  that  since  they  had  not  pretended 
that  it  was  unlawful  for  John  to  baptize  penitents, 
although  they  were  ignorant  by  what  authority  he 
had  acted,  and  since  i'  has  not  been  pretended  fhat 
the  conduct  of  the  Baptist  had  d-j^erved  reproach, 
there  remained  no  ntrcessitv  jor  him  to  stratify  their 
curiosity,   by  explaining  to  them  by  what  authority 

VOL.      II.  .1 


66  THE    HISTORY    OF 

he  performed  those  things  in  the  temple,  which  had 
proved  ofiensive  to  the  Sanhedrim.  "  And  they  rea- 
"  soned  v\  ith  themselves,  saying,  If  we  shall  say  from 
"  heaven  ;  he  will  say,  Why  then  did  ye  not  believe 
"  him  ?  But  if  he  shall  say.  Of  men,  they  feared  the 
"  people,  for  all  men  counted  John  that  he  was  a  pro- 
''  phet  indeed.  And  they  answered  and  said  unto 
^'  Jesus,  We  cannot  tell.  And  Jesus  answering,  saith 
"  unto  them,  Neither  do  I  tell  you  by  what  authority  I 
"■  do  these  thmgs."  Mark  xi.  31,  32,  33. 

The  deputation  from  the  Sanhedrim  having  avow- 
ed their  ignorance  as  to  whence  John  derived  his  au- 
thority for  practising  the  ceremony  of  baptism,  our 
blessed  Saviour  severely  rebuked  them,  conveying  his 
reproof  in  the  parable  of  the  father  and  his  two  sons. 
'^  A  certain  man  had  two  sons  ;  and  he  came  to  the 
*'  first,  and  said,  Son,  go  work  to  day  in  my  vine- 
"yard."  Matt.  xxi.  28.  But  this  undutiful  youth 
abruptly  said  to  his  father,  "  I  will  not."  Reflecting, 
however,  on  the  impropriety  of  his  conduct,  he  deter- 
mined to  make  some  atonement  for  his  disobedience 
to  his  indulgent  parent,  by  complying  with  his  com- 
mand ;  and  he  therefore  went  to  work  in  the  vine- 
yard. 

The  ungrateful  behaviour  of  one  son,  induced  the 
father  to  impose  the  same  command  upon  the  other; 
and  this  youth,  with  an  alFectation  of  ready  obedi- 
ence, said,  "  Sir,  I  go."  But  notwithstanding  his 
pretended  willingness  to  obey  the  commands  of  his 
lather,  he  v^ent  not  into  the  vineyard.  The  conduct 
of  the  second  son,  our  Lord  represented  as  bearing  a 
similitude  to  that  of  the  Pharisees  ;  who  attributed  to 
the  Almighty  the  most  honorable  appellations,  and 
professed  the  most  earnest  solicitude  for  his  service 
in  their  devotional  exercises  ;  but  at  the  same  time 
obstinately  refused  to  engage  in  any  part  of  that  work 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  Gf 

which  he  had  enjomecl  them  to  perform.  The  cha- 
racter of  the  other  son,  said  Jesus,  is  descriptive  of 
the  disposition  of  the  publicans  and  harlots.  They 
promised  not  to  execute  the  will  of  the  Almighty  ; 
but  upon  seriously  revolving  in  their  minds  the  ingra- 
titude and  disobedience  of  their  conduct,  and  the  gra- 
cious offers  of  mercy  which  were  made  to  them,  they 
reformed  their  lives,  and  embraced  the  Christian  gos- 
pel, whereby  they  have  made  atonement  for  their  for- 
mer delinquencies,  and  have  intitled  themselves  to 
enjoy  the  rewards  of  a  blessed  immortality.  "  Whe- 
**  ther  of  them  twain  did  the  will  of  his  father  ?  They 
'^  say  unto  him,  The  first.  Jesus  saith  unto  him, 
'^  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  the  publicans  and  har- 
"  lots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  before  you. — 
**  For  John  came  unto  you  in  the  way  of  righ'eous- 
"  ness,  and  ye  believed  him  not  :  but  the  publicans 
*'  and  the  harlots  believed  him.  And  ye,  when  ye 
"  had  seen  it,  repented  not  afterward,  that  ye  might 
"  believe  him."  Matt.  xxi.  31,  32. 

Having  reproved  the  Pharisees  for  rejecting  the 
preaching  of  John  the  Baptist,  our  blessed  Saviour 
proceeded  to  represent  the  sinfulness  of  the  Jewish 
nation,  in  disregarding  the  predictions  of  all  the  pro- 
phets that  had  been  sent  to  them  by  the  Almighty,  as 
well  as  the  admonitions  of  the  Son  of  the  Most  High  ; 
apprizing  them,  at  the  same  time,  of  the  dreadful 
punishments  that  would  inevitably  be  inflicted  upon 
them,  if  they  persevered  in  their  obstinac3^  ''  There 
*'  was  a  certain  housholder  which  planted  a  vineyard, 
*'  and  hedged  it  round  about,  and  digged  a  wine  press 
"  in  it,  and  built  a  tower,  and  let  it  out  to  husband- 
"  men,  and  vvent  into  a  far  country.  And  when  'he 
"  time  of  the  fruit  drew  near,  he  sent  his  servants  to 
*'  the  husbandmen,  that  they  might  receive  the  fruits 
"  of  it.  And  the  husbandmen  took  his  servants,  and 
"  beat  one,  and  killed  another,  and  stoned  another. 


68 


THE    HISTORY    OF 


"  Again,  he  sent  other  servants,  more  than  the  first ; 
"  and  they  did  unto  them  likewise.  But  last  of  all, 
*^  he  sent  unto  them  his  son,  saying,  They  will  rever- 
"  ence  my  son.  But  when  the  husbandmen  saw  the 
*'  son,  they  said  among  themselves.  This  is  the  heir, 
"  come,  let  us  kill  him,  and  let  us  seize  on  his  inhe- 
"  ritance.  And  they  caught  him,  and  cast  him  out 
*'  of  the  vineyard,  and  slew  him.  When  the  lord 
"  therefore  of  the  vineyard  cometh,  what  will  he  do 
''  unto  those  husbandmen  .-*  They  say  unto  him,  He 
*'  will  miserably  destroy  those  wicked  men,  and  will 
*'  let  out  his  vineyard  unto  other  husbandmen,  which 
"  shall  render  him  the  fruits  in  their  seasons.  Jesus 
"  saith  unto  them,  Did  ye  never  read  in  the  scrip- 
"  tures,  The  stone  which  the  builders  rejected,  the 
"  same  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner  :  this  is  the 
"  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes  ? 
"  Therefore  I  say  unto  you.  The  kingdom  of  God 
"  shall  be  taken  from  you,  and  given  to  a  nation 
"  bringing  forth  the  fruits  thereof.  And  whosoever 
*'  shall  fall  on  this  stone,  shall  be  broken  :  but  on 
"  whomsoever  it  shall  fall,  it  will  grind  him  to  pow- 
"  der."  Matt.  xxi.  33,  &c. 

In  the  sacred  scriptures,  the  church  is  frequently 
compared  to  a  vineyard  :  but,  for  the  fuller  convic- 
tion of  the  Jews,  the  above  parable  was  founded  upon 
a  part  of  the  fifth  chapter  of  Isaiah.  "  The  vineyard 
*'  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  the  house  of  Israel,  and  the 
*'  men  of  Judah  his  pleasant  plant :  and  he  looked  for 
"  judgment,  but  behold  oppression  ;  for  righteous- 
**  ness,  but  behold  a  cry."  The  reader  will  perceive, 
that  our  blessed  Saviour  continued  the  prophet's  me- 
taphor. He  informed  them,  that  the  Almighty  sent 
the  prophets  to  exhort  the  Jews  to  pursue  the  paths  of 
religion  and  virtue  :  but,  enraged  against  the  messen- 
gers of  God,  on  account  of  the  freedom  with  which 
they  had  reproved  the  iniquities  of  the  people,  they 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  69 

cruelly  persecuted,  and  even  put  them  to  death,  with 
the  most  unrelenting  fury. 

Notwithstanding  their  impious  barbarity  which  was 
exercised  upon  these  holy  men,  the  Almighty  with- 
held his  divine  wrath;  and  in  his  unbounded  love  to 
the  children  of  sinful  men,  sent  other  prophets  to  ex- 
hort them  to  reclamation  :  but  these  experienced  a 
fate  similar  to  that  of  their  predecessors. 

But  notwithstanding  the  base  ingratitude  of  man- 
kind, God  sent  his  only  Son  upon  earth,  invested  with 
a  commission  lo  labor  with  unceasing  anxiety  to  pro- 
mote the  salvation  of  mankind  :  but  notwithstanding 
he  proved  his  divine  authority  by  the  incontestible 
evidence  of  the  various  miracles  he  performed,  they 
obstinately  persevered  in  refusing  to  acknowledge  him 
as  the  Messiah,  and  thereby  aggravated  their  former 
guilt.  In  consequence  of  their  having  rejected  the  of- 
fers of  mercy  made  to  them  by  the  prophets,  and  af- 
terwards by  the  Messiah,  he  said  the  Almighty  would 
deprive  the  Jews  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  be- 
stow it  upon  another  people,  who  would  render  them- 
selves worthy  to  enjoy  the  blessings  thereof;  and 
they  who  had  rejected  the  corner-stone,  by  which  was 
represented  the  true  religion,  should  be  consigned  to 
everlasting  punishment.  By  this  parable,  is  repre- 
sented the  favor  of  God  towards  the  Jewish  nation, 
who  had  been  put  into  possession  of  the  vineyard  he 
had  himself  planted.  The  husbandmen  to  whom  the 
vineyard  was  let,  were  descriptive  of  the  priests  and 
Levites,  who  were  remarkable  for  their  irreverent 
treatment  of  the  prophets  ;  and  it  was  intimated,  that 
this  deportment  of  the  husbandmen,  particularly  to- 
wards the  Son  of  God,  would  render  the  Jews  obnox- 
ious to  the  divine  vengeance. 

The  Pharisees  were  sensible,  that  the  above  admi- 


70  THE    HISTORY    OF 

rable  discourses  of  Jesus,  and  the  denunciations  of 
punishment  they  contained,  were  purposely  directed 
towards  them  :  and  they  deliberated  amon^  them- 
selves, upon  the  means  of  tukini^  him  into  custody, 
in  order  to  conduct  him  before  the  Sanhedrim  for  ex- 
amination :  but  they  dared  not  carry  the  iniquitous 
plan  they  had  suggested  into  execution,  apprehend- 
ing, that  if  they  presumed  to  offer  any  violence  to 
the  person  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  they  should  there- 
by create  an  insurrection  arnan^  the  populace  who 
esteemed  him  to  be  a  prophet. 

Our  Saviournow  delivered  another  parable,  where- 
in he  represented  the  slight  and  inconsiderable  man- 
ner in  which  his  gospel  had  impressed  the  minds  of 
the  Jewish  nation  ;  and,  on  the  contrary,  the  cheerful 
and  v/arm  reception  it  had  experienced  from  the  Gen- 
tiles. The  gracious  and  benevolent  intention  of  the 
Almighty,  in  imparting  the  gospel  to  mankind,  our 
blessed  Saviour  illustrated,  by  re})resenting  to  his  au- 
ditors the  conduct  of  a  sovereign,  who,  in  honor  of 
his  son,  invited  a  great  number  of  guests  to  a  superb 
entertainment.  "  And  Jesus  answered,  and  spake 
"  unto  them  by  parables,  and  said.  The  kingdom  of 
**  heaven  is  like  unto  a  certain  king,  which  made  a 
"  marriage-feast  for  his  son.  And  he  sent  forth  his 
"  servants  to  call  them  th.it  were  bidden  to  the  wed- 
"  ding:  and  they  would  not  come.  Again  he  sent 
**  forth  other  servants,  saying,  Tell  them  which  are 
*'  bidden,  Behold,  I  have  prepared  my  dinner  ;  my 
"  oxen  and  my  fatlings  are  killed,  and  all  things  are 
*'  ready,  come  unto  the  marriage.  But  they  made  light 
*'  of  it,  and  went  their  ways,  one  to  his  farm,  ano- 
**  ther  to  merchandize.  And  the  remnant  took  his 
*'  servants,  and  entreated  them  spitefully,  and  slew 
*'  them.  But  vvhcn  the  king  heard  thereof,  he  was 
*'  wroth  :  and  he  sent  forth  his  armies,  and  destroyed 
*' those  murderers,  and  burned  up  their  city.     Then 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  71' 

*'  saitb  he  tp  his  servants,  The  wedding  is  ready, 
"  but  they  which  were  bidden  were  not  wortliy.  Go 
"  ye  theretbrt;  unto  the  highways,  and  as  many 
"  as  ye  shall  lind,  bid  them  to  the  marriage.  So 
"  the  servants  went  out  into  the  highways,  and  ga- 
'f  thered  together  all  as  many  as  they  found,  both 
"  bad  and  good :  and  the  wedding  was  furnished 
''  with  guests.  And  when  the  king  came  in  to  see 
*'  the  guestSj  he  saw  there  was  a  man  whicli  had 
*'  not  on  a  wedding  garment :  and  he  saith  unto  him, 
"  Friend,  how  earnest  thou  in  hither,  not  having  a 
"wedding-garment?  and  he  was  sjieechless.  Then 
**  said  the  king  to  the  servants.  Bind  him  hand  and 
"  foot,  and  take  him  away,  and  cast  him  into  outer 
"  darkness;  there  shall  be  wcepmg  and  gnashing  of 
*'  teeth.  For  many  are  called,  but  i'cw  are  chosen." 
Matt.  xxii.   1,   &c. 

In  the  above  manner  did  our  Saviour  intimate,  that 
the  Jews  had  been  first  admonished  to  pursue  a  life 
of  righteousness  by  John  the  Baptist,  and  afterwards 
by  himself;  but  they  obstinately  rejected  the  offers 
of  mercy  and  eternal  salvation  made  to  them,  both  by 
the  Messiah  and  his  forerunner.  After  the  death  and 
resurrection  of  the  Messiah,  the  apostles  would  be 
sent  abroad  to  proclaim  the  establishment  of  the  gos- 
pel covenant- :  but  these  messengers  would  prove  as 
unsuccessful  as  the  former.  By  this  part  of  the  para- 
ble, was  predicted  the  destruction  of  the  Jews  by  the 
Roman  army,  which  was  made  the  instrument  of  ex- 
ecuting vengeance  upon  those  rebellious  people.  The 
concluding  part  of  this  similitude  shews,  that  the 
conditions  of  salvation  proposed  to,  but  disregarded 
by  the  Jews,  would  be  gladly  accepted  by  the  Gen- 
tiles ;  and  that  those  who  refused  to  embrace  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ,  represented  by  the  wedding-garment, 
would  be  consigned  to  everlasting  punishment.  Hence 
then   it  appears,  that  in  this  parable,   the  king  signi- 


72  THE  HISTORY    OF 

fics  God  the  Father  ;  that  the  king's  son  was  meant  to 
represent  our  blessed  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  ;  and  the 
servants  who  were  employed  to  invite  the  guests  to 
the  entertainment,  were  John  the  Baptist,  the  twelve 
apostles,  and  the  seventy  disciples. 

Enraged  by  the  severity  of  our  Saviour's  reproofs, 
the  Pharisees  and  their  adherents,  now  determined 
to  exert  their  utmost  endeavors  for  effecting  the  de- 
struction of  our  blessed-  Redeemer  :  but  on  account  of 
the  great  popularity  he  had  acquired  by  his  preach- 
ing and  miracles,  they  judged  it  prudent  to  observe 
great  caution  in  the  prosecution  of  their  iniquitous 
project. 

The  Pharisees  united  themselves  in  a  conspiracy 
with  the  Sadducees  or  Herodians  ;  and  that  the  en- 
mity of  these  people  towards  Jesus,  was  now  arriv- 
ed to  the  highest  degree,  is  apparent ;  since,  with 
a  view  to  execute  their  barbaroas  design  against  the 
Son  of  God,  they  suspended  that  rancorous  animosity 
which  had  so  long  subsisted  between  the  two  sects. 
They  suborned  some  persons,  a  part  of  whom  were 
attached  to  the  Pharisees,  and  others  to  the  Saddu- 
cees, to  engage  in  conversation  with  Jesus,  and  en- 
deavor to  surprise  him  into  some  expression,  the 
meaning  of  which  they  might  pervert  into  the  founda- 
tion of  a  criminal  charge  before  the  Roman  govern- 
or. 

Under  the  pretext  of  entertaining  a  rigid  venera- 
tion for  the  divine  laws,  the  conspirators  repaired  to 
Jesus,  and,  with  an  affectation  of  righteousness  and 
sanctity,  declared  that  they  considered  him  as  a  zea- 
lous advocate  in  the  cause  of  truth,  and  a  person  who 
was  in   every  respect  qualified  to  decide  on  a  *  con- 

*  A  native  of  Galilee,  named  Judas,  had  industriously  propagated  a 


OUR     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  J3 

troverted  point,  respecting  which,  they  were  in  great 
doubt.  They  then  requested,  that  he  would  declare 
his  opinion  on  the  following  question,  which  had  long 
been  the  subject  of  furious  controversy.  Is  it  law- 
ful for  the  people  of  Israel  to  pay  tribute  to  Caesar, 
he  being  a  foreign  prince,  since  it  is  enacted  by  the 
law,  that  the  Jews  shall  not  elect  a  king  to  reign  over 
them,  who  is  not  a  native  of  Judea  ? 

They  imagined,  that  if  he  should  pronounce  the 
payment  of  tribute  to  a  foreign  potentate,  to  be  con- 
sistent with  the  law,  he  would  thereby  inflame  the  en- 
mity of  the  people,  who  would  accuse  him  of  being  a 
flatterer  of  men  in  power,  a  traitor  to  the  liberties  of 
his  country,  and  one  who  taught  doctrines  destruc- 
tive of  the  known  privileges  of  the  chosen  people  of 
God  :  and  if  he  should  pronounce  the  payment  of 
tribute  to  be  contrary  to  the  law,  they  meant  to  accuse 
him  before  the  deputy  from  the  Roman  empire,  who, 
they  hoped,  would  consider  him  as  the  fomenter  of 
rebellion,  and  therefore  put  him  to  death. 

Jesus  informed  them,  that  notwithstanding  their  ar- 
tifice and  dissimulation,  he  was  apprized  of  their  ma- 
lignant intentions  :  but,  though  they  meant  to  ensnare 
him,  and  not  to  learn  whether  they  should  violate  the 
law  in  complying  with  a  tax  imposed  upon  the  public, 
he  would  condescend  to  answer  their  question.  At 
his  request  they  shewed  him  a  piece  of  the  tribute 
money  ;  upon  which,  he  said  to  them,  that  since  the 
coin  bore  the  image  and  the  name  of  Cassar,  they  ac- 
knowledged his  authority  by  making  use  of  it  :  ad- 
ding, that  while  they  discharged  their  duty  to  the  ci- 

notion,  that  the  payment  of  taxes  to  a  foreign  power,  was  an  absolute 
infringement  of  the  111 \v  :  and  this  doctrine  was  so  agreeable  to  the  merce- 
nary dispositions  of  the  Jews,  that  it  obtained  great  numbers  of  strenu- 
ous puvtizans,  particularly  among  the  lower  classes  of  the  people. 
VOL.    II.  K 


74  THE    HISTORY    OF 

vil  magistrate,  they  should  constantly  remember  what 
was  due  to  the  Almighty  ;  and  that  since  they  bore 
the  image  of  the  great  and  omnipotent  King  of  heaven 
and  earth,  it  behoved  them  to  pay  him  the  tribute  of 
praise  and  adoration,  and  to  serve  him  with  fidtlity, 
and  to  the  utmost  extent  of  their  power.  "  Then 
*'  went  the  Pharisees,  and  took  counsel  how  they 
*'  might  entangle  him  in  talk.  And  they  sent  out 
*'  unto  him  their  dibciples,  with  the  Herodians,  say- 
"  ing,  Master,  we  know  that  thou  art  true,  and  teach- 
"  est  the  way  of  God  in  truth,  neither  carest  thou  for 
"  any  man  ;  for  thou  rcgardest  not  the  person  of  men. 
*' Tell  us  therefore,  What  thinkest  thou  ?  Is  it  law- 
"  ful  to  give  tribute  unto  Cassar,  or  not?  But  Jesus 
*'  perceived  their  wickedness,  and  said.  Why  tempt 
*'  ye  me,  ye  hypocrites  ?  Shew  me  the  tribute-money. 
'*  And  they  brought  unto  him  a  penny.  And  he  saith 
"  unto  them,  Whose  is  this  image  and  superscrip- 
**  tion  ?  They  say  unto  him,  Caesar's.  Then  saith 
"  he  unto  them,  Render  therefore  unto  Caesar,  the 
*'  things  which  are  Caesar's  ;  and  unto  God,  the  things 
"  that  are  God's.  When  they  had  heard  these  words, 
"  they  marvelled,  and  left  him,  and  went  their  way." 
Matt.  xxii.  15,  8^c. 

The  Pharisees  and  their  adherents,  under  the  pre- 
text of  a  regard  to  religion,  were  accustomed  to  pro- 
mote, and  defend  rebellious  practices.  But  to  ingra- 
tiate the  favor  of  the  reigning  powers,  the  Herodians 
readily  complied  with  whatever  injunctions  were  im- 
posed upon  them,  however  contradictory  such  com- 
mands might  be  to  the  divine  laws.  Our  Saviour 
therefore  adapted  his  reply  to  both  sects  ;  exhorting 
them  to  yield  due  obedience  to  the  Almighty,  and 
conform  to  the  institutions  of  the  civil  government. 

Though  our  Lord  had  so  effectually  defeated  the   J 
crafty  designs  of  the  Pharisees  and   Sadducees,   he   ^ 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  7-3 

was  presently  afterwards  attacked  by  a  party  of  the 
latter  sect,  who  denied  the  doctrine  of  the  immortality 
of  the  soul  and  the  resurrection  of  the  body  ;  and 
these  people  proposed  to  him  the  question  which  they 
had  frequently  put  to  the  Pharisees,  with  a  view  of 
disconcerting  them.  "  Then  came  to  him  certain  of 
''  the  Sadducees,  which  deny  that  there  is  any  resur- 
'*  rection  ;  and  they  asked  him,  saying,  Master,  Mo- 
'*  ses  wrote  unto  us,  that  if  any  man's  brother  die 
'*  having  a  wife,  and  he  die  without  children,  that  his 
'*  brother  should  take  his  wife,  and  raise  up  seed  unto 
**  his  brother.  There  were  therefore  seven  brethren  ; 
"  and  the  first  took  a  wife,  and  died  without  chil- 
'*  dren.  And  the  second  took  her  to  wife,  and  he 
"  died  childless.  And  the  third  took  her  :  and  in 
"  like  manner  the  seven  also  :  and  they  left  no  chil- 
"  dren,  and  died.  Therefore  in  the  resurrection, 
'*  whose  wife  of  them  is  she  .''  for  seven  had  her  to 
*'  wife.  And  Jesus  answering,  said  unto  them.  The 
'*  children  of  this  world  marry,  and  are  given  in  mar- 
"  riage.  But  they  which  shall  be  accounted  worthy 
"  to  obtain  that  world,  and  the  resurrection  of  the 
"  dead,  neither  marry,  nor  are  given  in  marriage  ; 
^'  neither  can  they  die  any  more  ;  for  they  are  equal 
''  unto  the  angels  ;  and  are  the  children  of  God,  be- 
"  ing  the  children  of  the  resurrection.  Now  that  the 
"  dead  are  raised,  even  Moses  shewed  at  the  bush, 
*'  when  he  calleth  the  Lord  the  God  of  Abraham,  and 
**  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob.  For  he 
'^  is  not  a  God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living  ;  for  all 
"  live  unto  him."  Luke  xx.  27,  &.c. 

The  Sadducees,  who  believed  that  the  soul  was  a 
refined  material  substance,  contended  that,  if  there 
was  to  be  a  state  of  futurity,  it  must  resemble  that 
of  this  world  ;  they  therefore  argued,  in  contradic- 
tion to  those  who  believed  in  the  resurrection  of  the 
body,  and  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  that,  as  the  soul 


76  THE    HISTORY    01" 

in  a  future  state  must  be  material  and  mortal,  the  ex- 
istence of  the  human  race  could  not  be  preserved, 
without  those  intercourses  between  the  sexes  which 
were  authorised  by  marriage.  Hence  then  they  con- 
ceived it  to  be  a  necessary  consequence  of  the  doc- 
trine of  the  resurrection  and  a  future  state,  that  the 
wife  of  every  man  should  be  restored  to  him. 

But  our  Saviour  clearly  confuted  the  arguments  of 
his  adversaries,  by  informing  them,  that  the  Almigh- 
ty had  created  spirit  as  well  as  matter  ;  and  he  observ- 
ed, that  the  nature  of  that  life  which  was  to  be  ob- 
tained in  a  future  state,  would  render  marriage  alto- 
gether superfluous  ;  for  as  man  would  partake  of  the 
spiritual  and  immortal  nature  of  angels,  the  necessity 
of  propagating  and  continuing  the  species,  would  of 
necessity  be  superceded. 

Having  exposed  the  folly  and  incredulity  of  the  Sad- 
ducees,  our  blessed  Saviour  proceeded  to  prove  their 
total  ignorance  of  the  true  meaning  of  the  scriptures  ; 
and  particularly  of  the  writings  of  Moses,  from  whence 
they  had  deduced  their  objection.  He  observed,  that 
Moses  had  called  the  Almighty  the  God  of  Abraham, 
the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob,  long  after 
the  decease  of  those  venerable  patriarchs  ;  therefore 
it  was  evident,  that  their  relation  to  the  Almighty  still 
subsisted ;  and  that  they  were  not  to  be  annihilated 
by  death,  but  to  continue  the  faithful  servants  of  the 
most  High.  The  circumstance  of  the  Almighty  pro- 
claiming to  Moses  from  the  flaming  bush,  "  I  am  the 
**  God  of  thy  Father,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God 
"  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob."  And  our  bles- 
sed Saviour's  illustration  of  that  passage,  proved  so 
palpable  a  refutation  of  the  pretensions  of  the  Saddu- 
cees,  that  the  people  could  not  refrain  from  express- 
ing their  admiration  on  account  of  the  victory  he 
had  obtained  over  that  impious  sect. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  7i 

The  superlative  wisdom  of  our  Saviour  extorted 
commendation  even  from  the  most  obstinate  of  the 
Pharisees  :  but  though  his  controversy  with  the  He- 
rodians,  had  terminated  so  highly  to  his  honor,  one  of 
the  lawyers,  influenced  by  the  same  insidious  mo- 
tives which  had  operated  upon  the  assailants,  whom 
he  had  so  lately  defeated,  requested  him  to  declare, 
which  was  the  most  important  precept  of  the  law. 
The  reason  of  his  proposing  this  question  to  our  Sa- 
viour, was  to  prove,  whether  he  had  as  perfect  an  ac- 
quaintance with  the  sacred  laws,  and  was  as  conver. 
sant  in,  and  as  acutely  observant  upon,  the  contro- 
versies that  had  been  maintained  upon  different  parts 
thereof,  as  he  had,  on  various  occasions  proved  him- 
self qualified  to  dedJce  convincing  and  irrefragable 
arguments  from  the  inspired  writers. 

That  the  question  proposed  by  the  lawyer  may  be 
the  more  clearly  understood,  it  is  necessary  to  remark, 
that  some  of  the  most  learned  of  the  rabbies  insisted, 
that  the  chief  precept  was  the  law  of  sacrifices  ;  some 
contended  in  favor  of  the  law  of  circumcision  ;  and 
others  were  as  strenuous  advocates  for  the  law  of 
meats  and  washings.  But  our  Lord  replied,  that  the 
chief  commandment  was  that  which  informed  them, 
that  there  was  only  one  God,  whom  they  were  to  wor- 
ship with  all  the  affections  of  their  soul.  *'  And  one 
*'  of  the  scribes  came,  and  having  heard  them  reason- 
"  ing  together,  and  perceiving  that  he  had  answered 
*'  them  well,  asked  him.  Which  is  the  first  command- 
*'  ment  of  all  ?  And  Jesus  answered  him.  The  first 
**  of  all  the  commandments  is,  hear,  O  Israel,  the  Lord 
*'  our  God  is  one  Lord  ;  and  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
''  thy  God,  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
"  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength. 
''  Tills  is  the  first  commandment.  Mark  xii.  28, 
29,   30. 


78  THE    HISTORY    OF 

Our  blessed  Saviour  having  thus  replied  to  the  law- 
yer's question,  he  added,  that  the  second  command- 
ment was  that  which  enjoined  us  to  love  our  neighbors. 
It  is  true,  that  this  had  no  relation  to  the  question  pro- 
posed by  the  lawyer ;  yet  our  blessed  Saviour  was 
"graciously  pleased  to  inform  him,  which  was  the  se- 
cond commandment ;  probably,  because  the  people 
of  his  sect  did  not  acknowledge  the  importance  of 
loving  their  neighbors  or  because  they  were  remark- 
ably deficient  in  the  practice  of  that  duty.  "  And  the 
"  second  is  like,  namely  this,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
*'  neighbor  as  thyself:  there  is  none  other  command- 
**  ment  greater  than  these.  And  the  scribe  said  unto 
"  him.  Well,  Master,  thou  hast  said  the  truth  ;  for 
*'  there  is  one  God,  and  there  Is  none  other  but  he  : 
"  and  to  love  him  with  all  the  heart,  and  with  all  the 
"  understanding,  and  with  all  the  soul,  and  with  all 
"  the  strength,  and  to  love  his  neighbor  as  himself,  is 
"  more  than  all  whole  burnt-offerings  and  sacrifices. 
*'  And  when  Jesus  saw  that  he  answered  discreetly, 
"  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  not  far  from  the  king- 
'*  dom  of  God.  And  no  man  after  that  durst  ask 
*' him  any  question,"  Mark  xii.   31,  &c. 

In  the  course  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  ministry,  the 
Pharisees  had  proposed  to  him  many  intricate  questi- 
ons, with  a  design  of  proving  whether  he  possessed 
the  prophetical  gift :  and  in  his  turn,  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer now  judged  proper  to  prove  the  extent  of  their 
knowledge  in  the  sacred  scriptures.  He  therefore  en- 
quired of  them,  from  whom  they  supposed  the  Messi- 
ah to  be  descended  ;  and  they  replied,  that  he  was  un- 
questionably of  the  family  of  David.  Since  you  as- 
sert, said  he,  that  Christ  is  the  son  of  David,  you 
ought  to  advance  some  argument  in  support  of  your 
opinion,  and  render  what  you  have  said  consistent 
with  what  David  implies,  when  he  distinguishes  Christ 
by  the  appellation  of  Lord.     "  While  the  Pharisees 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  79 

*'  were  gathered  together,  Jesus  asked  them,  saying, 
*'  What  think  ye  of  Christ  ?  Whose  son  is  he  ?  They 
"  say  unto  him,  The  son  of  David.  He  saith  unto 
*'.  them.  How  then  doth  David  in  spirit  call  him  Lord  ; 
**  saying,  The  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on 
**  my  right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  foot- 
"  stool  ?  If  David  then  call  him  Lord,  how  is  he  his 
"  son."  Matt.  xxii.  41,  &c. 

The  Jews  did  not  imagine  that  the  Messiah  would 
be  endowed  with  any  more  extraordinary  perfections, 
than  such  as  human  nature  was  capable  of  attaining  ; 
for  thc.Ui^h  they  distinguished  him  by  the  title  of  the 
Son  of  God,  they  did  not  conceive  that  he  was  to 
enjoy  the  fulness  of  divine  power  -,  and  therefore,  they 
acknowledged  themselves  unable  to  answer  the  ques- 
tions proposed  to  them  by  our  blessed  Redeemer. 

Had  not  their  obstinacy  been  w^holly  incorrigible, 
the  latter  question  must  have  convinced  them  of  their 
error ;  for  if,  as  they  imagined,  the  Messiah  was  to 
be  only  a  secular  prince,  he  could  not  have  been  cal- 
led Lord,  by  those  pious  men  who  died  previous  to 
his  birth ;  nor  can  it  be  supposed,  that  so  mighty  a 
sovereign  as  David,  would  have  applied  to  him  that 
honorable  appellation.  Since  then  he  is  the  king, 
not  only  of  the  ordinary  classes  of  deceased  men,  but 
of  the  monarchs  from  whom  he  was  descended,  his 
kingdom  necessarily  comprehends  the  inhabitants  of 
all  countries  and  periods  of  time.  He  was  to  remain 
at  the  right  hand  of  God,  till  his  enemies  were  sub- 
dued :  and  therefore  those  who  persist  in  their  ini- 
quities, and  refuse  to  yield  a  due  obedience  to  the  di- 
vine will  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  shall,  like  the  re- 
bellious subjects  of  temporal  sovereigns,  be  condemn- 
ed to  punishments  proportioned  to  the  enormity  of 
their  crimes. 


80  THE    HISTORY    OF 

The  consummate  wisdom  displayed  by  Jesus  in  his 
controversies  with  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  con- 
vinced the  Jews,  that,  with  respect  to  the  extent  of 
his  knowledge,  the  strength  and  brilliancy  of  his  ima- 
gination, his  strong  powers  of  argument,  and  the  per- 
suasive force  of  his  eloquence,  he  had  an  infinite  su- 
periority to  the  most  renowned  of  tiieir  rabbies.  On 
a  variety  of  occasions,  he  had  so  clearly  confuted  the 
objections  advanced  against  his  gospel,  and  so  evi- 
dently proved  them  to  be  absurd,  frivolous,  and  vain, 
that  his  most  inveterate  enemies  were  compelled  to 
acknowledge  the  astonishing  profundity  of  his  wis- 
dom :  and  from  this  time,  they  declined  all  attempts 
to  embroil  him  in  difficulties,  by  means  of  intricate 
and  insidious  questions. 

As  we  have  hitherto  had  frequent  occasion  to  speak 
of  the  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  who  alone  are  men- 
tioned by  the  evangelists,  we  shall  conclude  this  chap- 
ter, with  an  account  of  those,  and  the  other  principal 
sects  among  the  ancient  Jews.  And  to  execute  this 
purpose,  we  shall  have  recourse  to  the  works  of  the 
learned  *  Josephus,  who  is  justly  esteemed  the  most 
accurate  and  authentic  of  the  Jewish  historians. 

"  Among  the  Jews  are  three  sects  of  religion  :  Es- 
'*  senes,  Pharisees,  and  Sadducees;  of  which,  the  first 
*'  are  most  distinguished  for  their  moral  and  religious 
"  conduct.  The  Essenes  are  the  most  friendly  among 
"  each  other  of  any  people  existing.  They  are  ene- 
*'  mies  equally  to  pleasure  and  to  vice,  and  deem  con- 
*'  tinence,  and  the  subjection  of  their  passions  as  the 
*'  first  of  virtues.  They  have  no  exalted  idea  of  mar- 
*'  riage  ;  but  are  fond  of  the  children  of  other  peo- 
•'  pie,    whom  they  take  when   young,   and  educate 

*  Vide  Josephus,  translated  by  Thompson  and  Price,  Vol.  II.  p. 
286,  &c. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  81 

*'  them  as  their  own.  Their  objections  to  marriage 
*'  do  not  lead  them  to  wish  the  extinction  of  mankind  ; 
"  but  they  think  the  women  frail,  and  doubt  their  fide- 
"  lity  to  any  single  man. 

"  They  despise  abundance  of  wealth  ;  and  one  prin- 
"  cipal  cement  of  their  society,  is  the  enjoyment  of 
"  their  possessions  in  common,  so  that  none  of  them 
"  shall  experience  the  extremity  of  riches  or  poverty  : 
"  but  the  whole  society,  like  brothers,  share  in  the 
"  common  bounties  of  Providence. 

*'  They  cannot  bear  that  oil  should  touch  their  bo- 
"  dies  ;  and  if  such  a  thing  happens  by  accident,  are 
"  uneasy  till  they  get  rid  of  it.  They  affect  great 
"  simplicity  in  their  apparel,  not  regarding  how  coarse 
"  it  is,  so  it  be  clean  and  white. 

"  From  the  best  men  of  their  society  they  choose 
**  stewards,  to  whom  they  commit  the  receipt  and  ma- 
"  nagement  of  their  revenues,  leaving  it  to  them  to 
"  distribute  to  the  brotherhood,  according  to  their 
"  several  necessities. 

"  They  do  not  reside  in  any  fixed  habitations,  but 
"  wander  about  in  different  cities,  where  they  are  al- 
''  ways  ready  to  accommodate  such  of  their  party  as 
"  may  happen  to  come  there,  though  they  have  been 
"  perfect  strangers  till  such  accidental  meeting. 

"  When  they  travel,  they  carry  nothing  with  them 
"  but  arms  for  their  protection.  There  are  always 
"  some  of  the  fraternity  in  every  city  to  accommodate 
"  their  friends  ;  so  that  they  are  in  no  want  of  lodg- 
*'  ings,  provisions,  clothes,  or  the  other  necessaries 
"  of  life.  Their  dress  is  not  unlike  that  worn  by 
*'  children  when  under  the  care  of  their  preceptor. 

VOL.      J  I.  L 


82  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  They  neither  change  either  their  clothes  or  shoes 
"  till  they  are  ragged,  or  worn  out.  They  neither 
"  buy  nor  sell  one  with  another,  but  cheerfully  supply 
*'  each  other  with  such  things  as  are  wanted  ;  and 
"  this  not  in  the  way  of  exchange  ;  for  the  laws  compel 
"  the  one  to  give,  and  leave  the  other  at  liberty  to 
*'  accept. 

"  They  are  the  most  conscientious  men  existing. 
"  They  will  not  speak,  a  word  of  common  business 
'*  before  the  rising  of  the  sun  ;  but,  at  that  time,  use 
"  traditional  forms  of  prayer,  in  which  they  ask  of  God 
"  that  the  sun  may  shine  on  them.  These  devotions 
"  ended,  they  engage  in  their  various  occupations  till 
'*  eleven  in  the  forenoon,  when  they  again  assemble, 
"  with  linen  clothes  thrown  over  them,  and  wash 
"  themselves  from  head  to  foot  with  cold  water;  which 
**  being  done,  they  retreat  to  their  cells,  where  no 
*■'  person  of  any  other  profession  is  permitted  to  come 
**  near  them.  Thence  they  proceed  into  a  refecto- 
*'  ry,  which  they  deem  almost  as  holy  as  the  temple. 
"  Here  ihey  remain  some  time  without  speaking, 
''  when  the  baker  brings  each  man  his  loaf,  and  the 
"  cook  a  plate,  or  mess  of  soup  to  every  one,  and  sets 
"  it  before  them.  The  priest  then  says  grace,  before 
"  which  no  one  must  presume  to  touch  his  food. — 
*'  After  dinner,  solemn  thanks  are  returned,  and  then 
*'  they  strip  off  their  habits,  which  they  deem  some- 
*'  what  sacred,  and  proceed  to  their  common  em- 
*'  ployment  till  evening.  When  they  go  to  supper, 
*'  they  sit  at  one  table,  and  if  they  have  any  visitors 
**  they  sit  with  them. 

"  No  noise  or  disturbance  is  heard  in  these  houses. 
**  They  speak  alternately  ;  and  their  gravity  makes 
**  them  greatly  admired  by  strangers.  These  are  the 
**  consequences  of  their  sober  life,  and  moderation  in 
*'  eating  and  drinking.     The  advice  of  their  superi- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  83 

*'  ors  is  necessary  to  every  act  they  do,  except  those 
"  of  charity,  in  which  they  are  left  to  their  own  dis- 
"  cretion,  every  man  being  at  liberty  to  assist  the 
"  virtuous  in  distress.  Yet  they  are  not  permitted  to 
"  give  any  thing  to  their  relations,  without  consent  of 
*^  their  governors. 

"  They  have  great  command  of  their  passions ;  are 
''  men  of  firm  faith,  fond  of  peace,  and  deem  their 
"  word  as  sacred  as  an  oath  :  in  fact,  they  consider 
*'  the  taking  an  oath  as  worse  than  perjury  ;  and  have 
"  no  opinion  of  a  man,  who  cannot  be  credited  with- 
*'  out  calling  God  to  witness  what  he  says.  They 
"  are  great  admirers  of  ancient  wisdom,  as  far  as  it 
*'  relates  to  the  good  of  soul  or  body,  particularly  re- 
"  specting  remedies  for  diseases ;  and  the  virtues  of 
*'  plants,  minerals,  metals,  and  stones. 

"  If  a  person  is  disposed  to  enter  into  their  society, 
"  they  do  not  hastily  admit  him,  but  keep  him  on  trial 
"  for  a  year.  Those  thus  on  probation  receive  each 
"  a  pick-ax,  a  girdle,  and  a  white  garment.  After  a 
"  man  has  given  some  proof  of  his  continence  and 
'*  virtue,  his  diet  is  changed,  and  he  is  allowed  the 
"  use  of  the  purifying  waters  :  but  he  must  be  two 
"  years  on  probation,  before  he  is  admitted  to  the  ta- 
"  ble  in  the  refectory.  After  this,  he  is  admitted  into 
**  the  society ;  but  not  deemed  an  established  mem- 
•*  ber  of  it,  till  he  has  bound  himself  to  the  following 
"  conditions. 

*'  He  must  first  solemnly  profess  to  love  and  wor- 
"  ship  God  ;  to  do  justice  to  all  men  ;  not  to  injure  any 
*^  one,  even  if  commanded  to  do  it  ;  to  abhor  all  wick- 
*' cd  men;  to  associate  witli  the  friends  of  justice 
**  and  equity  ;  to  keep  faith  with  all  men,  but  espe- 
"  cially  with  princes,  who  are  the  appointed  servants 
"'  of  God.     He  must  declare,  that,  if  he  should  be 


84  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  promoted  above  his  companions,  he  will  not  abuse 
*'  his  power  to  the  injury  of  those  beneath  him,  nor 
'*  by  elegance  of  dress  distinguish  himself  from  his 
"  inferiors  :  but  that  he  will  love  the  truth,  and  de- 
**  vote  himself  to  keep  it,  and  punish  those  who  speak 
"  falsely.  He  must  bind  himself  to  keep  his  hands 
"  free  from  theft  and  false  dealing,  and  his  soul  un- 
"  polluted  with  desire  of  unlawful  gain  :  not  to  con- 
*'  ceal  the  mysteries  of  religion  from  his  brethren  of 
**  the  profession,  nor  develope  them  to  the  profane, 
"  even  to  save  his  life.  With  regard  to  his  doctrine, 
*'  he  must  promulgate  only  what  he  has  been  taught ; 
*'  endeavor  to  preserve  the  doctrine  he  professes, 
"  the  books  written  concerning  it,  and  the  names  of 
*''  those  from  whom  he  received  it.  These  professi- 
**  ons  and  protestations  are  used  as  a  test  to  new  mem- 
"  bers,  to  bind  them  strictly  to  their  duty. 

"  When  any  person  is  detected  in  a  notorious 
"  wickedness,  he  is  turned  out  of  the  society  ;  and 
"  these  generally  make  an  unfortunate  exit.  I'he 
'^  man  who  is  reprobated  by  these  solemn  vows,  is 
'^  not  permitted  to  receive  a  single  mouthful  of  bread 
"  from  the  hands  of  a  stranger,  even  though  his  life 
"  depended  on  it  ;  so  that  they  are  driven  to  graze 
*'  like  beasts,  till  the  flesh  perishes  from  their  bones* 
**  The  society  have  sometimes  received  them  again, 
"  when  they  have  been  in  this  utter  extremity,  and 
"  at  the  point  of  death  :  conceiving  that  the  punish- 
"  ment  they  had  undergone,  was  a  kind  of  atone- 
*'  ment  for  the  crime. 

*'  They  are  singularly  strict  in  the  administration 
"  of  justice  :  nothing  is  determined  on  without  bc- 
"  ing  carried  by  a  hundred  voices  ;  and  there  is  no 
"  revoking  the  judgment  when  it  is  once  past. 

"  Second  to  the  authority  of  God  they  deem  that 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  83 

"  of  their  law-givers,  to  speak  ill  of,  or  blaspheme 
"whom  is  punished  with  death.  They  pay  the  ut- 
"  most  respect  to  their  elders,  and  to  the  majority  of 
"  the  people ;  deeming  it  reasonable  to  obey  the 
'*  former,  and  attend  to  the  opinion  of  the  latter. — 
*'  When  ten  of  them  meet  in  council,  no  one  is  per- 
"  mitted  to  speak  if  the  other  nine  oppose  him.  Spit- 
"  ting  towards  the  midst  of  the  company,  or  on  the 
"  right  hand,  they  deem  an  act  of  immorality. 

'*  No  Jews  are  so  strict  observers  of  the  sabbath  as 
"  these  people.  On  the  preceding  evening,  they  eat 
*'  a  meal  to  suffice  for  the  sabbath,  that  they  may  not 
"  kindle  a  fire  on  that  day,  on  which  they  dare  not  re- 
"  move  a  pot  or  dish  from  one  place  to  another,  or  even 
"  relieve  themselves  by  a  natural  evacuation.  When, 
'*  on  other  days,  they  have  these  necessary  calls,  they 
*'  dig  a  hole  near  a  foot  deep  with  a  pick  ax,  and  hav- 
*'  ing  disburthened  themselves,  fill  the  hole  again,  su- 
"  perstitiously  careful  that  such  an  object  may  not  pol- 
"  lute  the  beams  of  the  sun.  Thus  they  attempt  a 
"  solemn  purification,  after  a  common  relief  of  nature. 

"  The  persons  professing  this  way  of  life,  are  in 
"  four  divisions,  agreeable  to  the  respective  obliga- 
'*  tions  they  have  taken  ;  and  the  younger  are  deemed 
*'  so  much  inferior  to  the  elder,  that  if  they  happen  to 
"  touch  each  other,  they  are  compelled  to  purify,  as 
"  if  they  had  touched  a  stranger.  They  live  to  an  ad- 
"  vanced  age  ;  many  of  them  to  more  than  a  hundred 
*'  years  ;  which  may  be  attributed  to  the  purity  of  their 
*'  food,  and  the  simplicity  of  their  manners. 

'^  They  are  fearless  of  danger,  and  despise  torment 
*'  to  such  a  degree,  that  they  deem  an  honorable  death 
"  preferable  to  life.  For  proof  of  this,  it  is  only  ne- 
'*  ccssary  to  refer  to  the  war  between  the  Jews  and 
"  Romans.     On  many  occasions  the  Jews  sustained 


86  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  excessive  torments  ;  such  as  burning  alive,  breaking 
*'  of  bones,  and  pains  of  every  kind,  raihcr  than  speak 
*'  disrespectfully  of  their  law-giver,  or  eat  a  mouthful 
"  of  prohibited  food.  This  they  did  despising  idle 
*^  supplications,  and  dejections  of  mind  ;  but  with 
*'  serene  and  cheerful  countenances  amidst  all  their 
*'  pains,  triumphing  over  their  tormentors,  and 
"  yielding  their  lives  with  a  resolution  that  evidenc- 
*'  ed  their  hope  of  a  glorious  future  existence. 

*'  The  Essenes  believe  that  the  body  is  mortal ;  and 
"  that  the  soul,  being  no  more  substantial  than  the 
*'  most  subtil  air,  is  incorruptible  and  immortal ;  but 
*'  that  it  is  enclosed  in  the  body,  as  in  prison,  by  a 
*'  sort  of  natural  inclination  or  attraction  :  and  that 
"  when  it  shall  be  separated  from  these  bodily  ties,  as 
"  relieved  from  a  long  slavery,  it  will  ascend  to  the 
**  regions  of  eternal  bliss.  These  sentiments  are  not 
*'  dissimilar  to  those  of  the  Greeks,  who  imagine  a 
"  place  beyond  the  ocean,  where  neither  rain,  snow, 
"  or  extreme  heat  prevails,  but  that  it  is  refreshed  by 
"  gentle  gales.  This  they  deem  the  seat  of  the  happy 
*'  souls  :  but  with  regard  to  the  wicked,  they  hold 
*'  them  sentenced  to  regions  of  violent  tempests,  se- 
"  vere  frosts,  and  eternal  pains.  Nor  is  the  Grecian 
**  story  of  the  Fortunate  Islands  unlike  this  :  these 
"  are  deemed  places  appropriated  to  the  reception  of 
"  the  spirits  called  heroes,  and  demi-gods.  The 
"  Greeks  have  likewise  their  hell,  described  as  an  in- 
*'  fernal  pit,  provided  with  plagues  and  punishments 
**  for  such  as  Sysiphus,  Tantalus,  Ixion,  and  Tityus. 
*'  They  deem  the  soul  immortal,  from  its  love  of  vir- 
'*  tue  and  hatred  of  vice  :  since  the  hope  of  future  re- 
"  wards,  makes  virtuous  men  still  better  in  this  world: 
"  it  likewise  checks  impiety,  from  the  reflection,  that 
'*■  though  men  may  escape  the  stroke  of  justice  in  this 
*'  life,  yet  the  divine  retribution  will  not  fail  to  meet 
**  and  punish  them  eternally  in  a  future.     Similar  to 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  8/ 

"  all  this  is  the  opinion  of  the  Esscnes  on  the  soul ; 
**  and  it  rarely  happens,  that  any  one  who  has  em- 
"  braced  these  sentiments,  is  ever  induced  to  change 
"  his  opinion. 

"  Among  the  Essenes,  are  some  who  pretend  to 
"  predict  future  events  ;  grounding  their  predictions 
"  on  the  prophecies  in  the  sacred  writings,  arid  prepar- 
"  ing  themselves  by  purification  for  the  business  : 
"  and  it  generally  happens  that  their  predictions  are 
"  fulfilled. 

"  There  is  another  sect  of  Essenes  who  agree  with 
"  the  former  with  regard  to  laws,  manners  and  food, 
*'  but  not  in  that  of  marriage  ;  for  they  say,  that  those 
*'  who  oppose  this  institution,  are  declared  enemies  of 
*'  mankind,  as  they  would  prevent  the  propagation  of 
"  the  human  race  :  urging,  that  if  every  one  held  this 
*' sentiment,  the  world  uould  soon  be  at  an  end. — 
"  These  latter,  however,  are  cautious  ;  for  they  sub- 
"  ject  the  women  to  a  probation  of  three  years  ;  and 
"  if,  at  the  end  of  that  period,  they  are  in  health  pro- 
"  per  for  child-bearing,  they  are  then  deemed  qualifi- 
'*  ed  for  marriage.  Among  these,  the  women  are  co- 
"  vered  when  they  wash,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
*'  men. 

*' The  Pharisees  are  the  most  eminent  doctors  of 
**  the  law,  and  men  of  the  greatest  learning  in  all  the 
"  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  Jews.  The  principal  ar- 
'*  tide  in  their  creed  is,  that  '  Every  thing  is  effected 
**  by  God  and  fate  ;'  yet  that  it  is  much  in  our  own 
"  power  to  determine,  whether  he  will  do  well  or  ill ; 
'*  only  fate  sometimes  interposes  in  particular  instan- 
**  ces.  They  acknowledge  the  immortality  of  the  soul, 
"  and  believe  that  the  souls  of  good  men  are  transmi- 
"  grated  into  other  bodies  ;  but  that  the  souls  of  the 
"  wicked  are  sent  into  a  state  of  eternal  misery. 


88  THE  HISTORY    OF 

"  On  the  contrary,  the  Sadducees  absolutely  deny 
**  the  doctrine  of  fate.  They  say  that  *  God  is  inca- 
*'pable. of  doing  evil,  but  leaves  men  at  liberty  to  act 
"as  they  please  ;  and  that  they  have  their  choice  of 
"  good  and  evil.'  With  regard  to  future  rewards  and 
"  punishments,  they  have  no  idea  of  them.  The 
**  Pharisees  are  a  sociable  people,  and  live  in  harmo- 
"  n}''  with  each  other  ;  but  the  Sadducees  are  perpe- 
*'  tually  disagreeing  among  themselves,  and  are  re- 
"  markably  severe  in  their  conduct  towards  stran- 
"  gers." 

But  in  another  part  of  his  work,  our  learned  author 
mentions  another  sect  in  religion,  introduced  among 
the  Jews  after  the  establishment  of  the  Essenes,  the 
Pharisees,  and  the  Sadducees. 

"  At  *  this  period  (about  the  year  of  the  world 
'^  3973)  Csesar  sent  as  a  governor  into  Syria,  Cyre- 
"  nius,  a  man  distinguished  by  the  eminence  of  his 
*'  character, a  senator  of  Rome,and  one  who  had  arrived 
*'  to  the  dignity  of  a  consul,  after  having  gone  through 
"  all  the  offices  of  honor  which  lead  to  that  eminent 
"  station.  He  was  attended  by  Coponius,  the  master 
"  of  horse,  who  went  with  him  in  the  character  of  go- 
"  vernor  of  Judea  :  but  as  Judea  was  at  this  time  an- 
"  nexed  to  Syria,  Cyrenius  was  charged  with  the  bu- 
"  siness  of  taxing  the  people,  and  likewise  directed 
*'  to  seize  on  the  money  and  efl'ects  that  had  belonged 
"  to  Archelaus. 

"  For  some  time,  at  first,  the  Jews  were  extremely 
*'  uneasy  at  this  mode  of  taxation  ;  but  they  were  at 
*'  length  induced  to  submit  to  it  and  comply,  without 
*t  giving  any  farther  trouble  ;  partly  by  the  advice, 
**  and  partly  by  the  authority  of  Joazar,   the  high- 

*  See  the  Jewish  historian  lastquotcd,  Vol.  II.  Cap.   i,  2. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUll.  89 

'*  priest,  and  son  of  Boethus.  About  this  time,  one 
"  Judas,  a  Gaulanite,  of  the  city  of  Gamala,  btgaa  to 
"  distinguish  himself.  This  man  combined  with  a 
"  Pharisee,  named  Sadducus,  to  entice  the  people  to 
"  revolt.  They  urged,  that  taxes  were  only  badges 
"  of  slavery  ;  and  that  it  would  become  the  dignity 
"  of  the  whole  people,  to  unite  in  an  assertion  of  their 
"  liberty  :  they  said,  that  one  fortunate  and  well-tim- 
"  ed  stroke,  would  render  them  independent  for  ever  ; 
"  and  would  contribute  no  less  to  the  security  of  their 
"  possessions,  than  the  advancement  of  their  repu- 
"  tion. 

"  There  were  but  few  arguments  necessary  to  induce 
*'  the  multitude  to  acts  of  violence  ;  nor  is  it  in  the 
*'  power  of  language  to  describe  the  havock  that  was 
*'  made  in  the  country,  by  these  outrageous  depreda- 
"  tors  :  friends  and  enemies  were  equally  robbed  and 
"  murdered  without  distinction  ;  massacres  and  as- 
"  sassinations  were  dreadfully  frequent  ;  and  all  this 
**  was  done  under  the  pretence  of  promoting  the  com- 
"  mon  good  ;  of  advancing  liberty,  and  securing  pro- 
"  perty ;  but  the  fact  is,  that  malice  and  private  inte- 
*'  rests  were  the  leading  motives.  While  the  people 
*'  were  thus  mutually  seeking  the  destruction  of  each 
"  other  by  all  the  severities  of  an  intestine  war,  they 
"  were  likewise  engaged  in  a  foreign  war,  and  had  to 
"  struggle  with  all  the  aggravated  calamities  of  a  se- 
"  vere  famine  :  yet,  for  a  considerable  time,  nothing 
**  could  put  a  period  to  the  course  of  destruction  in 
"  which  they  were  engaged,  till  at  length  a  fire  seiz- 
"  ed  the  temple,  and  burnt  it  to  the  ground. 

"  Such  was  the  unhappy  consequence  of  seeking 
**  after  new  laws  and  customs,  and  endeavoring  to  de- 
**  stroy  those  established.  Judas  and  Sadducus  were 
"  the  authors  of  this  confusion,  who,  from  a  particu- 
*'  larity  of  disposition,  were  inclined  to  add  a  fourth 

VOL.    II.  M 


90  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  sect  to  the  three  former  :  and  the  idea  of  ninovation 
"  so  charmed  the  multitude,  that  a  great  party  join- 
"  ed  them  ;  which  not  only  occasioned  the  present 
"  disturbances,  but  laid  the  foundation  of  much  fu- 
*'  ture  calamity  :  in  this  place,  therefore,  it  will  be 
"  proper  to  treat  of  those  mischievous  principles  and 
"  opinions,  from  which  such  fatal  consequences  have 
*'  arisen. 

"  Judas  Galilseus  was  the  founder  of  the  fourth  sect 
'*  of  religion,  which  did  not  differ  in  any  great  degree 
*'  from  that  of  the  Pharisees  ;  principally,  indeed, 
"  in  their  holding  the  maxim  of  uncontroulable  liber- 
*' ty.  They  asserted,  that  there  was  no  other  Lord 
'*  or  superior  than  God  ;  and  rather  than  call  any  man 
*^  by  the  name  of  Master^  they  would  expose  ihem- 
*'  selves  and  their  nearest  relations,  to  any  degree  of 
"  punishment,  though  ever  so  severe.  But  this  fact 
*'  is  so  well  attested,  and  has  been  confirmed  by  such 
''  repeated  observation  and  experience,  that  it  is  un- 
**  necessary  to  urge  any  thing  in  proof  of  it  ;  besides, 
'*  no  language  can  convey  a  tolerably  adequate  de- 
"  scription  of  the  fortitude  which  these  people  evinced 
"  in  their  contempt  of  pain. 

"  The  animosities  were  greatly  inflamed  by  the  ty- 
*'  ranical  cruelties  of  Gessius  Fiorus,  at  that  time  go- 
"  vernor  of  Judea  ;  the  consequence  of  which,  was, 
"  that  the  people  at  length  absolutely  revolted  from 
"  the  Romans." 

The  Essenes,  or  Essenians,  though  not  mentioned 
by  the  evangelists,  were  a  numerous  and  powerful 
sect  among  the  Jews.  All  attempts  to  trace  their 
origin  have  proved  ineffectual,  and  even  the  etymolo- 
gy of  their  name  is  still  to  be  ascertained.  It  is,  how- 
ever certain,  that  they  were  settled  in  Judea  in  the 
days  of  Jonathan,  the  brother  of  Judas  Maccabeus, 


Oan    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  91 

about   one  hundred  and   fifty   years  previous  to  the 
birth  of  our  Suviour. 

'I'hc  Essenes  were  accustomed  to  interpret  the 
scriptures  in  an  allei^orical  manner  ;  and  in  this  they 
appear  to  have  excelled  all  their  Jewish  contempora- 
ries. They  entertained  the  highest  veneration  for  the 
five  books  of  Moses  ;  and  they  reverenced  that  knv- 
c^iver  as  the  chief  of  all  the  inspired  writers.  So  rigid 
were  these  people  in  their  principles,  that  they  con- 
signed to  instant  death,  all  persons  who  presumed  to 
speak  with  the  slightest  disrespect,  either  of  Moses 
or  his  writings.  They  studied  the  writings  of  Moses 
more  particularly  than  the  other  parts  of  the  scriptures, 
and  appear  to  have  deduced  their  religious  system 
principally  from  the  Pentateuch. 

So  extreme  was  the  austerity  of  many  of  the  Es- 
senes, that  they  continued  in  their  cells  during  the 
whole  week,  without  even  indulging  themselves  so 
far  as  to  look  once  out  of  the  windows  of  their  lonely 
habitations  ;  their  intervals  of  repose  being  very  short, 
and  their  time  being  engrossed  in  reading  and  writing 
comments  upon  the  sacred  books. 

The  [)eriod  when  the  sect  of  Pharisees  was  founded, 
is  wholly  uncertain.  They  pretended,  that  the  cele- 
brated Hillel  was  the  first  of  their  order.  Some  have 
imagined  that  Hillel  lived  during  the  pontificate  of 
Jonathan,  mentioned  above :  but  others,  more  rea- 
sonably conjecture  him  to  have  been  contemporary 
with  the  famous  Someas,  who  lived  about  the  time  of 
Herod,  long  before  whose  days  the  sect  of  Pharisees 
were  in  great  repute. 

In  the  preceding  pages,  they  are  represented  as  vio- 
lent and  implacable  enemies  to  our  blessed  Saviour, 
who  incurred  their  enmity,  in  consequence  of  the  se- 


92  THE    HISTORY    OF 

verity  with  which  he  reproved  their  injiistifiable  pre- 
ference of  pretended  and  fallacious  traditions,  to  the 
written  word  of  God. 

Among  other  principles  which  exposed  the  Phari- 
sees to  the  deserved  reproaches  of  Jesus,  were  their 
supererogatory  attachment  to  the  ceremonial  law  : 
their  frequent  washings  and  fastings  ;  their  public  and 
ostentatious  distribution  of  charity  ;  their  aifected  so- 
lemnity of  deportment,  and  the  studied  mortification 
expressed  in  their  countenances  ;  their  erecting  and 
repairing  the  tombs  of  the  prophets  ;  whereby  they 
intimated,  that  they  were  of  greater  sanctity  than  their 
ancestors,  who  had  cruelly  massacred  those  holy  men, 
and  whose  conduct,  however,  they  impiously  approv- 
ed ;  their  superstitious  observation  of  the  sabbath- 
day,  to  the  exclusion  of  works  of  charity  ;  their  ut- 
ter destitution  of  mercy,  justice,  and  humility;  and 
their  deceitful  pretentions  to  the  virtues  of  kindness, 
charity,  and  benevolence,  even  at  the  time  when  they 
were  sacrilegiously  projecting  measures  for  sacrificing 
the  life  of  our  blessed  Redeemer. 

Such  was  the  rapacity  and  cruelty  of  the  Pharisees, 
that  they  made  no  scruple  of  seizing  the  property  of 
helpless  widows  and  orphans.  They  not  only  com- 
mitted the  most  heinous  acts  of  injustice,  oppression, 
and  barbarity  themselves,  but  encouraged  their  disci- 
ples in  the  perpetration  of  similar  crimes ;  and  these 
enormities  were  committed,  under  the  specious  ap- 
pearance of  sanctity  and  religion.  It  was,  therefore, 
with  peculiar  propriety,  that  Christ  compared  them  to 
whited  sepulchres,  beautiful  without,  but  containing 
only  rottenness  and  corruption. 

The  sect  of  Saddncees  is  said  to  have  been  founded 
by  one  Saddoc,  a  disciple  of  Antigonus  of  Socho.— 
These  people  industriously  sought  occasions  of  ridi- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  93 

culing  the  dootrine  of  the  resurrection,  and  of  oppos- 
ing their  tenets  to  those  of  the  Pharisees,  with  whom 
they  lived  in  a  state  of  continual  enmity  and  conten- 
tion. They  were  extremely  severe  in  their  decisions, 
when  they  presided  in  the  capacity  of  judges ;  and 
they  rejected  the  pretended  oral  traditions,  which  were 
so  highly  respected  by  the  Pharisees  ;  regulating  their 
conduct  by  no  other  rules  than  scriptural  texts,  and 
preferring  the  books  of  Moses  to  all  the  other  inspir- 
ed writings.  The  Sadducees  were  not  a  very  nu- 
merous society,  but  they  were,  in  general,  men  of 
rank  and  opulence.  When  persons  attached  to  the 
principles  entertained  by  the  Sadducees,  were  elected 
into  public  employments,  they  were  under  the  neces- 
sity of  disguising  their  own  sentiments,  and  of  openly- 
professing  the  opinions  of  the  Pharisees  ;  for  other- 
wise, the  people  would  not  permit  them  to  hold  their 
stations. 


94  THE   HISTORY    Or 


CHAP.  XXXIV. 

Our  Saviour  recommends  bis  disciples  to  attend  to  the 
doctrines  of  the  Pharisees^  but  carefully  to  avoid 
an  imitation  of  their  manners.  He  exhorts  them 
to  suppress  ambitious  desires.  He  severely  re- 
proaches the  Pharis^ees^  accusing  them  of  perfidy ^ 
partiality  ^  cruelty  ^  and  other  heinous  crimes.  Our 
Saviour  applauds  the  liberality  of  a  widow.  Jesus 
predicts  the  destruction  of  the  temple  of  Jerusalem^ 
and  the  sufferings  to  be  inflicted  upon  his  apostles  ; 
and  at  the  same  time^  exhorts  those  holy  men  not  to 
dread  the  utmost  malice  of  their  enemies.  Jesus 
says^  that  the  persecutions  of  tiJeir  enemies  voill  oc- 
casion many  of  his  disciples  to  desert  his  cause  ;  but 
that  the  faithful  servants  of  God  will  be  amply  re- 
warded.  Predictions  relating  to  the  destruction  of 
the  city  of  Jerusalem  ;  and  the  misery  of  the  Jew- 
ish nation  described.  Jesus  cautions  his  disciples 
against  imposters.  Other  predictions  of  the  dread- 
ful calamities  to  be  inflicted  upon  the  Jews.  Simi- 
litude of  a  flg-tree.  Jesus  declares  the  truth  of  his 
predictions^  and  exhorts  the  people  to  constant 
watchfulness.  The  suddenness  of  the  judgments  to 
be  passed  upon  mankind.  Watchfulness  and  dili- 
gence recommended  in  a  similitude.  Parable  of  the 
ten  virgins.  The  rewards  and  punishments  to  be 
distributed  in  the  great  day  of  judgment. 

vJUR  blessed  Saviour  having,  as  we  have  related 
in  the  preceding  chapter,  eluded  the  artful  stratagems 
of  his  enemies,  he  proceeded  to  admonish  his  disci- 
ples, and  the  rest  of  his  auditors,  not  to  adopt  the 
pernicious  examples  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees. 
He  advised   them    to  listen  to  the  doctrines  preach- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  f)5 

ed  by  those  people,  whose  abominable  practices,  he 
said,  were  so  entirely  inconsibtent  with  the  eXiCellency 
of  their  professions.  While  they  teach  the  doctrines 
contained  in  the  laws  of  Moses,  carefully  attend  to 
what  they  recommend  to  your  observation  :  but  be- 
ware of  their  stratagems  and  artifices,  lest  you  be 
seduced  into  the  paths  of  wickedness.  Although 
they  pretend  to  interpret  the  law  with  exact  fidelity, 
they  impose  upon  other  people  a  rigid  compliance 
with  those  ceremonials  which  they  themselves  entire- 
ly neglect :  but  those  who  act  from  motives  of  vir- 
tue and  integrity,  practise  those  duties  which  they 
represent  to  others,  as  the  essential  means  of  obtain- 
ing happiness,  both  in  this  life  and  in  futurity  ;  there- 
by encouraging  men  to  worthy  pursuits,  by  the  com- 
bined recommendation  of  precept  and  example. 

But,  said  Jesus,  the  hypocricy,  pride,  and  arro- 
gance of  the  Pharisees  are  intolerable;  for  if  they 
occasionally  act  in  a  manner  that  redounds  to  the  ho- 
nor of  God,  or  the  advantage  of  their  fellow-crea- 
tures, the  merit  of  their  conduct  is  vitiated,  by  the 
motive  from  whence  it  proceeds.  Their  works  of 
charity,  are  no  more  than  an  ostentatious  display  of 
a  virtue  which  they  do  not  in  reality  possess  ;  they  are 
immoderately  ambitious  of  popular  applause,  but 
are  wholly  neglectful  of  the  great  and  important  duty 
of  regulating  their  conduct,  agreeably  to  the  divine 
pleasure  of  Almighty  God.  To  render  themselves 
conspicuous,  they  wear  larger  *  phylacteries  than  the 

*  The  word  phylactery  is  derived  from  the  Greek,  and  signifies  a 
preservative,  or  charm,  against  diseases,  or  other  misfortunes.  They 
were  worn  by  the  ancient  Heathens,  and  are  so  still  by  the  inhabitants  of 
the  eastern  parts  of  the  globe.  But  the  phylacteries  of  the  Jews,  were 
small  boxes  or  rollsof  jiarchment,  in  wliich  were  written  certain  words 
of  the  law  ;  and  these  they  wore,  cither  upon  the  forehead,  or  upon  the 
wrist  of  the  left  arm.  They  supposed  the  use  of  phylacteries  to  be  com- 
manded. "  And  it  shall  be  for  a  token  upon  thine  hand,  and  for  front- 
"  lets  between  thine  eyes,  for  by  strength  of  hand,  the  Lord  brought  us 
"  forth  out  of  Egypt."   Exod.  xiii.   i6. 


96  THE    HISTORY    OF 

generality  of  the  people,  and  broader  edgings  of  scar- 
let to  their  apparel  ;  thereby  endeavoring  to  impose 
themselves  upon  the  world,  as  men  of  extraordinary 
sanctity.  They  are  earnestly  solicitous  to  obtain  the 
most  distinguished  seats  in  the  synagogues  and  other 
public  assemblies,  and  of  being  saluted  with  the  title 
of  rabbi,  or  master.  "  Then  spake  Jesus  to  the  mul- 
*'  titude  and  to  his  disciples,  saying,  The  Scribes 
"  and  Pharisees  sit  in  Moses'  seat ;  all  therefore 
,*'  whatsoever  they  bid  you  observe,  that  observe 
**  and  do  :  but  do  not  ye  after  their  works  ;  for  they 
*'  say,  and  do  not.  For  they  bind  heavy  burdens 
"  grievous  to  be  borne,  and  lay  them  on  men's  shoul- 
"  ders  :  but  they  themselves,  will  not  move  them 
**  with  one  of  their  fingers.  But  all  their  works  they 
"  do  for  to  be  seen  of  men.  They  make  broad  their 
"  phylacteries,  and  enlarge  the  borders  of  their  gar- 
"  ments,  and  love  the  uppermost  rooms  at  feasts,  and 
*'  the  chief  seats  in  the  synagogues,  and  greetings 
"  in  the  markets,  and  to  be  called  of  men,  f  rabbi, 
«'  rabbi."  Matt,  xxiii.  1,  &c. 

Bint  you  who  are  my  disciples,  must  prove  your 
humility,  by  declining  to  be  addressed  by  the  titles 
of  rabbi  and  master  ;  for  the  title  of  master  is  pecu- 
liarly due  to  the  Messiah,  who  will  bestow  the  bles- 
sings of  immortality  upon  all  his  servants  who  faith- 
fully discharge  their  duty  towards  him.  Neither  are 
you  to  call  any  man  your  father,  thereby  implying 
that  you  are  disposed  to  yield  him  implicit  obedience  ; 
for  it  is  the  great  Father  of  heaven  and  earth  to  whom 
you  are  to  dedicate  all  your  services,  and  offer  up 
your  praises  and  adorations.  i 

")•  The  word  rabbi  sicrnifies  great ;  and  it  was  applied  to  those  men 
who  had  rendered  themselves  conspicuous  by  the  extent  of  their  learn- 
ing. It  is  not  therefore  strange,  that  the  haughtjr  and  supercilious  Pha- 
risees, should  be  fond  of  a  title  which  so  highly  complimented  their 
understanding,  and  served  to  increase  their  consequence  and  authority 
among  their  disciples. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  Vi 

It  was  not,  however,  the  intention  of  the  divine 
Teacher,  to  intimate,  that  it  was  sinful  to  address  men 
by  those  titles  which  they  acquired  from  their  re- 
spective stations  in  life  :  but  he  meant  to  reprove  the 
muhitude,  for  ascribing  to  the  teachers  of  the  law, 
those  honors  which  were  due  only  to  the  Almighty. 
To  teach  them  the  duty  of  humility,  and  to  dispose 
them  to  offices  of  friendship  and  kindness  towards 
each  other,  he  said,  that  by  assuming  what  did  not 
properly  belong  to  them,  they  would  incur  the  displea- 
sure of  the  Almighty,  and  render  themselves  objects 
of  the  contempt  and  hatred  of  their  fellow-creatures  : 
but,  on  the  contrary,  if  they  strictly  obeyed  the  com- 
mands of  God,  and  performed  offices  of  friendship  and 
love  to  their  brethren,  they  could  not  fail  of  obtaining 
the  blessings  of  heaven.  "  But  be  not  ye  called 
"  rabbi ;  for  one  is  your  master,  even  Christ,  and  all 
"  ye  are  brethren.  And  call  no  man  your  father  upon 
*^  earth ;  for  one  is  your  Father,  which  is  in  heaven. 
"  Neither  be  ye  called  masters  ;  for  one  is  your  mas-> 
*'  ter,  even  Christ.  And  whosoever  shall  exalt  him- 
"  self,  shall  be  abased ;  and  he  that  shall  humble 
*'  himself,  shall  be  exalted."  Matt,  xxiii.  8,  &c. 

The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  were  greatly  incensed 
by  the  above  discourses  :  but  they  dared  not  attempt 
carrying  their  barbarous  designs  against  him  into  ex- 
ecution, in  the  presence  of  the  great  concourse  of 
people  by  whom  he  was  surrounded  ;  for  his  preach- 
ing had  so  deeply  impressed  the  minds  of  the  people, 
that  they  held  him  in  the  highest  veneration,  and 
would  most  certainly  have  opposed,  and  severely  re- 
sented any  violence  offered  to  his  sacred  person. 

Not  in  consequence  of  the  personal  injuries  and 
insults  he  had  received  from  the  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, but  on  account  of  their  abominable  and  irre- 
claimable iniquities,  our   blessed  Saviour  solemnly 

VOL.     II.  N 


98  THE    HISTOllY    OF 

denounced  against  them  the  most  dreadful  woes. 
They  were  professedly  public  teachers  of  religion  ; 
and  therefore  it  was  their  duty,  not  only  to  recom- 
mend the  practice  of  righteousness  in  their  public 
discourses,  but  also  by  the  example  of  their  live«. 
But  under  the  appearance  of  the  most  austere  sancti- 
ty, they  gave  uncontrolled  liberty  to  their  malicious, 
lewdj  cruel,  and  rapacious  dispositions.  Instead  of 
reforming  their  lives,  their  attention  seemed  to  be 
directed  to  the  business  of  corrupting  the  principles 
of  their  fellow-creatures,  and  seducing  them  to  the 
practice  of  every  species  of  the  most  abominable  ini- 
quity ;  and  therefore  they  were  deserving  the  utmost 
severity  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  reproof,  and  of  those 
punishments  which  he  foretold  would  be  inflicted 
upon  them.  "But  woe  unto  you.  Scribes  and  Pha- 
*'  risees,  hypocrites  ;  for  ye  shut  up  the  kingdom  of 
**  heaven  against  men  :  for  ye  neither  go  in  yourselves, 
*'  neither  suffer  ye  them  that  are  entering,  to  go  in. 
"  Woe  unto  you,  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites  ; 
"  for  ye  devour  widow's  houses,  and  for  a  pretence 
"  make  long  prayers  ;  therefore  ye  shall  receive  great 
"  er  damnation.  Woe  unto  you,  Scribes  and  Pha- 
**  risees,  hypocrites ;  for  ye  compass  sea  and  land 
*'  to  make  one  proselyte,  and  when  he  is  made,  ye 
*'  make  him  two-fold  more  the  child  of  hell  than 
*'  yourselves.  Woe  unto  you,  ye  blind  guides,  which 
"  say,  Whosoever  shall  swear  by  the  temple,  it  is 
"  nothing  :  but  w^iosoevcr  shall  swear  by  the  gold 
"  of  the  temple,  he  is  a  debtor.  Ye  fools,  and  blind  : 
*'  for  whether  is  greater,  the  gold,  or  the  temple  that 
"  sanctifieth  the  gold  ?  And  whosoever  shall  swear  by 
"  the  altar,  it  is  nothing  ;  but  whosoever  sweareth 
<'  by  the  gift  that  is  upon  it,  he  is  guilty.  Ye 
**  fools,  and  blind  :  for  whether  is  greater,  the  gift, 
*'  orthe  altar  that  sanctifieth  the  gift  ?  Whoso  there- 
*'  fore  shall  swear  by  the  altar,  sweareth  by  it,  and 
**  by  all  things  thereon.     And  whoso  shall  swear  by 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  99 

*'  the  temple,  svvearetli  by  it,  and  by  him  that  dwel- 
*'  leth  therein.  And  he  that  shall  swear  by  heaven, 
"  sweareth  by  the  throne  of  God,  and  by  him  that 
"  sitteth    thereon."  Matt,  xxiii.   13,  &c. 

In  the  above  manner  did  our  Saviour  inform  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees,  that  the  punishments  to  be  in- 
flicted upon  them  would  be  dreadfully  severe  because 
they  had  falsely  interpreted  the  ancient  prophecies 
concerning  the  Messiah,  and  obstructed  the  way  to  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  by  concealing  from  their  disciples 
the  knowledge  of  the  true  religion.  Under  the  pre- 
tence of  a  zealous  desire  to  promote  the  interest  *  of 
widows  and  orphans,  you  cruelly  defraud  them  of 
their  property.  Though  you  pursue  every  means  in 
your  power  to  convert  the  Gentiles  to  the  Jewish  re- 
ligion, your  motive  is  not  to  increase  their  wisdom  or 
virtue,  but  to  obtain  possession  of  their  wealth  ;  and 
instead  of  being  reformed,  they  are  rendered  f  more 
wicked  by  the  pernicious  influence  of  your  advice. 
You  absurdly  pretend,  that  if  a  man  swears  by  the 
temple  only,  his  oath  is  not  obligatory  ;  but  that  he 
binds  himself  under  an  indispensible  obligation,  if  he 
swears  by  the  gold  of  the  temple.  You  also  say,  that 
men  do  not  perjure  themselves  when  they  act  contra- 

*  These  people  pretended  to  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  of  the  law 
tlian  others  ;  and  the  women  were  greatly  subject  to  their  power,  because 
they  believed  them  to  be  the  peculiar  favorites  of  the  Almiglitv.  Thej'' 
obtained  so  great  an  ascendancy  over  Alexandra,  queen  of  thc.levvs,that 
they  directed  the  reins  of  government  at  their  own  discretion.  Widows 
and  orphans,  liaving  no  protectors,  became  an  easy  prey  to  this  rapa- 
cious sect. 

+  The  Jews  were  accustomed  to  complain,  that  the  proselytes  to  their 
religion  were  the  "  scabs  of  their  church  ;"  and  prevented  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Messiah,  as  they  were  ignorant  of  the  law,  and  objects  of  the 
divine  displeiwure.  Justin  Martyr  represents  the  proselytes  as  more  in- 
veterate enemies  to  the  Christian  religion  than  the  native  Jews,  and  as 
the  instruments  of  the  wicked  Pharisees  in  opposing  the  establishment 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ. 


100  THE    HISTORY    OF 

ry  to  what  they  have  sworn  by  the  altar  only,  and  not 
by  the  offerings  placed  thereon.  But  he  informed, 
that  the  altar  is  nmore  sacred  than  the  gifts  which  are 
consecrated  and  rendered  holy  by  it.  Whoever  swears 
by  the  altar,  swears  also  by  whatever  is  placed  there- 
on, and  consequently  by  the  Ahnighty,  to  whose  ho- 
nor the  altar  is  consecrated  ;  so  he  that  swears  by  the 
temple,  at  the  same  time  adjures  the  majesty  of  the 
divine  Being  who  resides  therein  ;  he  who  swears  by 
heaven,  swears  by  the  throne  of  God  ;  and  whoever 
swears  by  any  part  of  the  creation,  makes  an  appeal 
to  the  great  Father  of  the  universe. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  also  severely  reprehended  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees,  for  their  superstitious  observ- 
ance of  the  most  minute  precepts  of  the  ceremonial 
law,  while  they  were  wholly  regardless  of  the  supreme 
duties  of  religion  and  virtue  ;  and  also  censured  them 
for  having  repaired  the  sepulchres  of  the  prophets, 
predicting  that  the  time  was  approaching,  when  they 
would  commit  barbarities  equal  to  those  perpetrated 
by  their  ancestors.  "  Woe  unto  you,  Scribes  and 
*'  Pharisees,  hypocrites  ;  for  ye  pay  tithe  of  mint,  and 
"  anise,  and  cummin,  and  have  omitted  the  weightier 
''  matters  of  the  law,  judgment,  mercy,  and  faith  : 
*'  these  ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the 
"  other  undone.  Ye  blind  guides,  which  strain  at  a 
'^  gnat  and  swallow  a  camel.  Woe  unto  you,  Scribes 
*'  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites;  for  ye  make  clean  the 
*'  the  outside  of  the  cup,  and  of  the  platter,  but  within 
*'  they  are  full  of  extortion  and  excess.  Thou  blind 
"  Pharisee,  cleanse  first  that  which  is  within  the  cup 
*'  and  platter,  that  the  outside  of  them  may  be  clean 
*'  also.  Woe  unto  you.  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypo- 
*'crites;  for  ye  are  like  unto  whited  sepulchres, 
"  which  indeed  appear  beautiful  outward,  but  are 
*'  wiihin  full  of  dead  men's  bones,  and  of  all  unclean- 
'*  ness.     Even  so  ye  also  outwardly  appear  righteous 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  101 

"  unto  men,  but  within  ye  are  full  of  hypocrisy  and 
"  iniquity.  Woe  unto  you,  Scribes  and  Pharisees, 
''  hypocrites  ;  because  }e  build  the  tombs  of  the  pro- 
"  phets,  and  garnish  the  sepulchres  of  the  righteous. 
"  And  say,  If  we  had  been  in  the  days  of  our  fathers, 
"  we  would  not  have  been  partakers  with  them  in  the 
*'  blood  of  the  prophets.  Wherefore  ye  be  witnesses 
*'  unto  yourselves,  that  ye  are  the  children  of  them 
*'  which  killed  the  prophets.  Fill  ye  up  then  the 
"  measure  of  your  fathers."  Matt,  xxiii.  23,  &c. 

Great  punishments  are  reserved  for  you,  who  with 
scrupulous  exactness  pay  tithe  of  herbs,  and  ri- 
gidlv  observe  other  minute  ordinances  of  the  law,  but 
utterly  neglect  the  practice  of  justice,  mercy,  faith, 
righteousness,  and  the  other  most  important  duties  of 
virtue  and  religion.  You  should  first  observe  those 
precepts  which  enjoin  the  observance  of  the  more  im- 
portant duties,  and  then  direct  your  attention  to  obli- 
gations of  inferior  consequence.  Ye  hypocrites,  ye 
shall  most  assuredly  experience  those  punishments 
which  are  due  to  your  iniquities  ;  for  though  you 
make  a  parade  of  religion  and  probity,  your  hearts 
are  corrupted  by  the  most  detestable  vices.  As  men 
cleanse  the  insides  of  their  cups  and  other  vessels,  it 
behoves  you  to  purify  your  hearts  from  their  vicious 
propensities  ;  after  which,  you  may,  without  impro- 
])riety,  assume  the  external  appearance  of  virtue. — 
Great  shall  be  your  punishment,  ye  sinful  hypocrites  ; 
for  you  resemble  those  sepulchres,  which  are  beauti- 
fully ornamented  without,  but  contain  only  rottenness 
and  corruption.  You  repair  tlie  monuments  of  the 
prophets,  who  were  barbarously  massacred  by  your 
sacrilegious  ancestors  ;  and  manifest  your  approba- 
tion of  their  cruelties,  by  your  anxiety  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  thereof  ;  although  you  pretend,  that,  had 
you  lived  in  the  days  when  those  murders  were  per- 
petrated, you  would  have  opposed  the  unprovoked  and 


102  THE    HISTOUY    OF 

bloody  deeds  of  your  progenitors.  But  the  time  is 
approaching,  when  you  will  cotnmit  cruelties  equal  to 
those  of  your  ancestors,  and  rival  them  in  the  perpe- 
tration of  the  most  abominable  deeds  of  wickedness. 

Having  thus  reproached  them  for  their  complicated 
wickedness,  and  predicted  the  terrible  punishments 
that  would  be  inflicted  upon  them,  the  blessed  and 
benevolent  Jesus  was  deeply  impressed  by  the  sensa- 
tions of  tenderness  and  compassion,  and  pathetically 
lamented  the  destruction  that  awaited  the  miserable 
inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  who,  having  em- 
brued  their  hands  in  the  blood  of  the  propliets,  and 
committed  innumerable  other  crimes  of  unexampled 
magnitude,  were  shortly  to  become  the  objects  of  di- 
vine vengeance.  *^  Ye  serpents,  ye  generation  of  vi- 
**  pers,  how  can  ye  escape  the  damnation  of  hell  ? 
"  Wherefore,  behold,  I  send  unto  you  prophets  and 
*'  wise  men,  and  scribes  ;  and  some  of  them  ye  shall 
"  kill  and  crucify,  and  some  of  them  shall  ye  scourge 
"  in  your  synagogues,  and  persecute  them  from  city 
'*  to  city  ;  that  upon  you  may  come  all  the  righteous 
*'  blood  shed  upon  the  earth,  from  the  blood  of  righ- 
"  teous  Abel,  unto  the  blood  ofZacharias,  son  of  Ba- 
"  rachias,  whom  ye  slew  between  the  temple  and  the 
*'  altar.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  all  these  things  shall 
*■'  come  upon  this  generation.  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusa- 
"  lem,  thou  that  killest  the  prophets,  and  stonest  them 
**  which  are  sent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have 
"  gathered  thy  children  together  even  as  a  hen  gather- 
**  eth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would 
"  not  ?  Behold,  your  house  is  left  unto  you  desolate. 
**  For  J  say  unto  you.  Ye  shall  not  see  me  henceforth, 
"  till  ye  shall  say.  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the 
'*  name  of  the  Lord."   Matt,   xxiii.   33,  &c. 

Ye  wicked  generation,  you  must  not  hope  to  escape 
those  dreadful  and  eternal  punishments,  which,  by  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  103 

ministry  of  John  the  baptist,  the  Almighty  has  de- 
nounced against  those  who  transgress  his  commands  : 
for  you  have  in  no  respect  endeavored  to  avert  the  ef- 
fects of  his  just  indignation.  Prophets  and  men  skil- 
led in  the  interpretation  of  the  law,  will  be  appointed 
to  instruct  you  in  the  ways  of  salvation  :  but  *  some 
of  them  you  will  put  to  death,  and  scourge  others  in 
your  public  assemblies ;  and  those  who  endeavor  to 
escape  your  fury,  you  will  persecute  and  pursue  from 
city  to  city,  with  the  most  violent  and  implacable  en- 
mity. So  far  from  complying  with  the  repeated  ad- 
monitions of  the  messengers  of  God,  and  being  de- 
terred from  the  practice  of  sin,  by  the  many  exam- 
ples of  just  severity  against  offenders,  you  will  prove 
your  approbation  of  the  crimes  of  your  ancestors, 
by  surpassing  them  in  the  shocking  barbarity  of 
your  conduct :  for  by  one  act  of  cruelty,  you  will  ren- 
der yourselves  more  eminently  guilty,  than  were  your 
progenitors,  after  the  many  murders  committed  by 
them,  from  the  slaughter  of  Abel  the  son  of  Adam, 
to  that  of  I  Zacharias  the  son  of  Barachias,  who  was 
slain  between  the  temple  and  the  altar.  Do  not  ima- 
gine that  the  punishments  I  have  denounced,  will  be 
postponed  for  a  long  series  of  years  :  but  know,  that 
the  Almighty  will  most  assuredly  inflict  them  upon  the 
present  degenerate  race  of  men.  O  ye  wicked  inha- 
bitants of  Jerusalem,  how  earnestly  have  I  endeavored 
to  defend  you  from  the  power  of  Satan  :   but  you  re- 

*  This  wasveriried,in  the  treatment  which  the  apostles  and  first  dis- 
ciples experienced  from  the  Jews.  They  stoned  Stephen  to  death  ;  they 
put  .lames,  the  brother  of  John  to  death,  by  the  sword  ;  they  scourged 
Peter  and  the  apostles,  and  persecuted  Paul  and  Barnabas  from  city  to 
city. 

t  Some  insist  that  this  Zacharias  was  the  father  of  John  the  Baptist : 
buttliisisas  strongly  denied  bv  others,  tie  seems  to  have  been  put  to 
death  about  the  time  when  our  Saviour  delivered  the  above  discourses  ; 
and  if  so,  from  the  days  of  Abel  to  those  of  Zacharias,  are  included 
all  the  ajjes  of  the  ancient  church. 


104  THE   HISTORY    OF 

jected  my  oiFers  of  protection.  Such  has  been  your  ^ 
ingratitude  and  wickedness,  that  \  our  country  shall 
be  laid  in  a  state  of  utter  desolation  :  and  I  predict  to 
you,  that  after  my  death  and  ascension  into  heaven,  '■ 
you  will  anxiously,  but  in  vain,  wish  for  my  inter- 
ference, to  avert  the  impending  vengeance  of  an  of- 
fended God. 

Thus  did  our  blessed  Saviour  expose  the  hypocrisy 
of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees ;  he  reproached  them 
with  severity,  because  their  crimes  were  of  unexam- 
pled magnitude  :  and  hence  we  may  learn  the  neces- 
sity of  regulating  our  lives  by  the  dictates  of  righte- 
ousness and  morality,  and  that  all  our  endeavors  to 
conceal  our  crimes,  by  assuming  the  outward  appear- 
ance  of  sanctity,  will  prove  ineffectual. 

The  freedom  with  which  the  great  Preacher  of  Isra- 
el reproved  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  excited  the  as- 
tonishment of  the  people,  who  had  ever  been  accus- 
tomed to  consider  their  teachers  as  the  most  righteous 
among  the  sons  of  men.  The  very  people,  indeed,  to 
vi'hom  our  Lord  particularly  directed  his  reproaches 
and  threats  of  vengeance,  by  the  conviction  of  their 
own  consciences,  were  convinced  of  the  justice  of 
every  accusation  alledged  against  them  :  but,  howe- 
ver malignant  and  cruel  the  designs  they  had  conceiv- 
ed against  Jesus  they  dared  not  attempt  carrying  them 
into  execution  in  the  presence  of  the  multitude,  who, 
they  were  persuaded,  were  disposed  to  resent  any  vi- 
olence that  might  be  offered  to  the  person  of  Jesus. 

The  blessed  Jesus,  the  great  infallible  teacher   of 
righteousness,  repaired  with  his  disciples  to  the  court  | 
of  the  woman,  called  the  treasury,  on  account  of  seve-  ' 
ral  chests  being  affixed  to  the  pillars  of  the  portico 
surrounding  the  court  for  the  reception   of  the  gifts 
presented  by  those  who  came  to  worship  in  the  tem- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  105 

pie.  Among  other  persons,  who  gave  money  for  the 
use  of  the  sacred  building,  was  a  poor  widow,  who 
put  into  the  chest  two  small  pieces  of  coin,  worth  to- 
gether about  an  English  farthing.  Upon  this,  Jesus 
observed  to  his  disciples,  that  the  poor  widow  had 
more  liberally  contributed  towards  the  temple,  than 
any  of  the  other  subscribers  ;  for  those  who  were  pos- 
sessed of  abundance,  could  feel  no  inconvenience  in 
consequence  of  their  donations  ;  but,  from  motives 
of  righteousness,  she  had  cheerfully  given  her  whole 
stock  of  money.  *'  And  Jesus  sat  over  against  the 
**  treasury,  and  beheld  how  the  people  cast  money 
"  into  the  treasury  :  and  many  that  were  rich  cast  in 
"  much.  And  there  came  a  certain  poor  widow,  and 
"  she  threw  in  two  mites,  which  make  a  farthing. — 
"  And  he  called  unto  him  his  disciples,  and  saith  unto 
*'  them.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  this  poor  widow 
"  hath  cast  more  in,  than  all  they  which  have  cast  into 
"  the  treasury.  For  all  they  did  cast  in  of  their  abund- 
"  ance  :  but  she  of  her  want  did  cast  in  all  that  she 
*' had,  even  all  her  living,"  Mark  xii.  41,  &c. 

Although  the  offering  made  by  this  poor  woman 
was  in  itself  very  inconsiderable,  yet,  comparatively 
with  the  state  of  her  finances,  it  was  great ;  for  she 
had  given  all  she  was  possessed  of,  though  she  might, 
Avithout  any  breach  of  piety,  have  reserved  it  to  her- 
self, since  she  had  occasion  for  it,  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  her  the  means  of  subsistence.  To  animate 
his  disciples  to  the  practice  of  charity,  and  to  prove 
to  them  that  it  was  the  disposition  of  the  mind,  and 
not  the  magnificence  of  the  offering  that  was  most 
acceptable  to  God,  our  blessed  Saviour  applauded  the 
conduct  of  the  poor  widow ;  because,  in  proportion 
to  her  circumstances,  she  had  contributed  more  libe- 
rally than  those,  who,  from  the  abundance  of  their 
wealth,  had  made  more  splendid  offerings.  Hence 
we  are  to  learn,  that  those  persons,  whose  situation  in 

VOL.    II.  0 


106  THE    HISTORY    OF 

life  will  not  permit  them  to  perform  acts  of  great  mu- 
nificence, will  render  themselves  acceptable  to  God, 
by  discharging  their  du-y  to  their  fellow  creatures  ac- 
cording to  the  extent  of  their  ability.  The  rich  may 
collect  an  admirable  lesson  from  this  passi-ge.  It  is 
not  sumcient  that  they  esceed  the  poor  in  the  value  of 
their  charitable  donations  ;  for  it  is  their  dutj-  to  con- 
tribute towards  the  relief  of  the  indigent,  in  propor- 
tion to  their  respective  incomes  ;  and  they  will  be  pru- 
dent, if  they  consider,  that  a  little  given,  where  only 
a  little  is  reser\ed,  constitutes  a  more  noble  offering, 
and  evinces  a  more  humane  and  benevolent  disposi- 
tion, than  larger  sums  given  by  those  who  are  in  pos- 
session of  plentiful  estates. 

Departing  from  the  temple,  our  blessed  Saviour  di- 
rected his  course  towards  the  Mount  of  Olives  ;  and 
on  the  way,  his  disciples  obser\'ed,  that  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  his  pathetic  lamentation  over  the  miserably  de- 
voted city  of  Jerusalem,  he  had  declared,  that  the  tem- 
ple should  not  be  again  honored  with  his  presence, 
till  the  Jews  should  e:: claim,  **  Blessed  is  he  that  com- 
'*  eth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord."  This  declaration 
had  greath'  alarmed  them  ;  and  therefore  they  request- 
ed, that  he  would  observe  the  magnificence  and  beau- 
ty of  the  holy  edifice  ;  intimating  at  the  same  time, 
that  they  conceived  it  to  be  extraordinarj',  he  should 
resolve  to  leave  so  glorious  a  fabric,  celebrated  in  eve- 
ry quarter  of  the  globe,  in  a  state  of  desolation  ;  and 
that  they  should  deem  themselves  supremely  fortu- 
nate, when  he,  as  the  great  Messiah,  and  the  descend- 
ant and  successor  of  David,  should  take  possession 
of  the  temple,  and  establish  his  throne  in  the  city  of 
Jerusalem.  But  our  Lord  informed  them,  that  the 
period  W2s  approaching,  when  the  magnificent  struc- 
ture would  be  entirely  levelled  with  the  earth.  *'  And 
**  Jesus  went  out,  and  departed  from  the  temple  ;  and 
**  h:s  disciples  came  to  him,  for  to  shew  him  the  build- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUU.  107 

*'  ing  of  the  temple.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  See 
''  yc  not  all  these  things  ?  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
'"  There  shall  not  be  left  here  one  stone  upon  another, 
"  that  shall  not  be  thrown  down."  Matt.   xxiv.   1,  2. 

Though  the  disciples  of  Jesus  understood  that  the 
temple  uas  to  be  destroyed,  they  did  not  imagine 
that  the  practice  of  otTering  up  sacrifices  was  to  be 
abolished,  and  a  new  religion  established,  which 
would  render  the  temple  unnecessary.  But  they  sup- 
posed that  this  buildmg  was  to  be  destroyed,  in  order 
that  a  more  magnificent  and  capaoioas  structure  might 
be  erected  on  the  same  spot,  after  a  plan  more  agree- 
able to  the  grandeur  of  the  ideas  they  had  formed  of  the 
approaching  kingdom  of  the  Messiah.  As  they  pro- 
ceeded on  their  journey,  the  disciples  meditated  with 
pleasure  on  the  glorious  events  which  they  imagined 
would  take  place,  when  their  Master  should  assume 
the  reins  of  government,  and  render  all  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  earth  subject  to  his  dominion. 

Upon  his  arrival  at  the  Mount  of  Olives,  our  Savi- 
our seated  himself  upon  an  eminence,  which  com- 
manded a  prospect  of  the  temple.  His  disciples  now 
requested,  that  he  would  inform  them,  when  the  tem- 
ple would  be  demolished,  and  w  hat  would  be  the  signs 
preceding  his  appearance  to  reward  the  righteous,  and 
punish  the  wicked,  and  of  the  end  of  the  world.  "  And 
"  as  he  sat  upon  the  Mount  of  Olives,  the  disciples 
*'  came  to  him  privately,  saying,  Tell  us,  when 
''  shall  these  things  be  ;  and  wh.it  shall  be  the  sign  of 
"thy  coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the  world."  Matt, 
xxiv.  o. 

It  appears,  that  the  disciples  were  desirous  of  learn- 
ing what  tokens  would  precede  the  establishment  of 
that  extensive  and  splendid  empire,  over  which  they 
imagined,  the  Messiah  was  to  exercise  the  powers  of  a 


108  THE    HISTORY    OF 

temporal  sovereignty.  Therefore  they  connected  the 
idea  of  the  deslruciion  of  the  temple,  with  that  of 
their  Master'sappcarance  to  judge  mankind  :  but  they 
entertained  no  notion,  that  he  had  referred  to  a  refor- 
mation in  the  mode  of  religious  worship. 

By  ^'  the  end  of  the  world,"  or,  as  the  words  should 
have  been  translated,  '*  the  end  of  the  ages,"  they 
meant  the  period  of  political  government,  then  exe- 
cuted by  Heathen  procurations  ;  and  considered,  that 
by  abolishing  the  constitution  then  subsisting,  their 
Master  ^^ould  produce  a  most  desirable  event. 

That  the  matter  was  thus  understood  by  the  disci- 
ples, will  be  sufficiently  clear,  if  we  consider,  that  they 
were  greatly  delighted  with  the  idea  of  the  expected 
alteration  ;  for,  if  by  "  the  end  of  the  world,''  they 
had  meant  the  final  destruction  of  all  sublunary  things, 
they  could  not,  in  the  disposition  of  mind  they  were 
then  in,  but  have  been  impressed  with  melancholy 
ideas. 

But  to  relieve  them  from  their  mistake,  our  blessed 
Saviour  informed  his  disciples,  that  he  had  come  upon 
earth,  not  to  govern  a  secular  kingdom,  but  to  lead 
mankind  into  ihe  ways  of  salvation,  and  to  punish 
the  perfidy  and  rebellion  of  the  Jews,  by  destroying 
both  their  temple  and  nation.  *'  And  Jesus  answered 
"  and  said  unto  them,  Take  heed  that  no  man  deceive 
"  you.  For  many  shall  come  in  my  name,  saying,  I 
"  am.  Christ:  and  shall  deceive  many.  And  ye  shall 
*'  hear  of  wars,  and  rumors  of  wars  :  see  that  ye  be 
"^  not  troubled :  for  all  these  things  must  come  to  pass, 
*'  but  the  end  is  not  yet.  For  nation  shall  rise  against 
*'  nation,  ajid  kingdom  against  kingdom  :  and  there 
**  shall  be  famines,  and  pestilences,  and  earthquakes 
*'  in  divers  place.  All  these  are  the  beginning  of 
"  sorrows,"  Matt.  xxiv.  4,  &c.     Though  the  disci- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  10.9 

pies  were  to  be  witnesses  of  the  ascension  of  their 
Master  into  heaven,  yet  it  was  probable  that  they 
might  expect  he  would  again  appear  upon  earth  :  and 
therefore  he  admonished  them  lo  guard  against  being 
deceived  by  impostors,  who  would  arrogate  to  them- 
selves the  character  of  the  Messiah.  Intestine  dis- 
cords, he  informed  them,  would  prevail  in  Palestine, 
betvveen  the  Jews,  the  Gentiles,  and  the  neighboring 
princes  ;  and  famine,  and  pestilence,  would  succeed 
the  horrors  of  war  and  rebellion  ;  adding,  that  amidst 
all  these  calamities,  it  would  behove  them  to  preserve 
their  fortitude,  and  steadily  to  persevere  in  their  faith. 
But  however  deplorable  these  events,  they  would  be 
only  the  preludes  to  more  dreadful  misfortunes,  which 
would  be  inflicted  upon  the  Jews,  as  the  just  punish- 
ments due  to  their  abominable  iniquities. 

Our  Saviour  now  proceeded  to  apprize  his  disciples 
of  the  persecutions  they  were  to  encounter,  and  to 
predict  the  further  calamities  in  which  the  perfidious 
Jews  would  be  involved.  *'  Then  shall  they  deliver 
"  you  up  to  be  afflicted,  and  shall  kill  you  :  and  ye 
*'  shall  be  hated  of  all  nations  for  my  name's  sake. — 
*'  And  then  shall  many  be  offended,  and  shall  be- 
*'  tray  one  another,  and  shall  hate  one  another. — 
"  And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise,  and  shall  de- 
"  ceive  many.  And  because  iniquity  shall  abound, 
**  the  love  of  many  shall  wax  cold.  But  he  that  shall 
*'  endure  unto  the  end,  the  same  shall  be  saved. — 
"  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  in. 
"  all  the  world,  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations,  and  then 
"  shall  the  end  come.  When  je  therefore  shall  see 
"■  the  abomination  of  desolation,  spoken  of  by  Dani- 
"  el  the  prophet,  stand  in  the  holy  place,  (whoso  read- 
*'  cth,  let  him  understand.)  Then  let  them  which  be 
*'  in  Judea,  flee  into  the  mountains.  Let  him  which  is 
"  on  the  house-top,  not  come  down  to  take  any  tiling 
**  out  of  his  house  :  Neither  let  him  which  is  in  the 


110  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  field,  return  back  to  take  his  clothes.  And  u^oe  unto 
"  them  that  are  with  child,  and  to  them  that  give  suck 
*'  in  those  days.  But  pray  ye  that  your  flight  be  not 
'*  in  the  winter,  neither  on  the  sabbath-day  :  for  then 
"  shall  be  great  tribulation,  such  as  was  not  since  the 
*'  beginning  of  the  world  to  this  time,  no,  nor  ever 
"  shall  be.  And  except  those  days  should  be  shor- 
**  tened,  there  should  no  flesh  be  savcci  :  but  for  the 
"  elect's  sake  those  days  shall  be  shortened."  Matt, 
xxiv.  9,  &;c. 

In  the  above  manner  did  Jesus  intimate,  that  the  un- 
believing Jews  and  apostate  Christians,  would  be  guil- 
ty of  the  most  abominable  crimes  ;  and  that  the  vio- 
lent contentions  among  them,  and  their  perfidy  and 
wickedness,  w^ould  interrupt  the  propagation  of  the 
gospel.  But  those  who  steadily  maintained  their 
faith,  should  not  be  condemned  to  the  terrible  de- 
struction in  which  the  rebellious  Jews  were  to  be  in- 
volved. When  the  city  of  Jerusalem  should  be  in- 
vested by  the  Pagan  armies,  bearing  upon  their  stand- 
dards  the  images  of  idols,  the  *'  abomination  of  deso- 
lation," mentioned  by  the  prophet  Daniel,  then  would 
be  verified  the  predictions  relating  to  the  city  and  the 
temple,  and  the  abolition  of  the  custom  of  offering  up 
sacrifices;  and  there  would  be  a  final  period  to  the 
political  institutions  of  the  Jewish  nation.  In  those 
days  of  vengeance,  when  the  awful  judgment  of  hea- 
ven would  be  inflicted  upon  the  impenitent  and  unbe- 
lieving Jews,  pregnant  women,  and  those  having  chil- 
dren at  their  breasts,  would  be  particularly  unhappy, 
on  account  of  their  incapacity  of  flying  from  the  im- 
pending ruin.  He  represented,  that  it  behoved  them 
to  pray  that  their  flight  might  not  be  in  winter,  or 
on  the  sabbath-day  ;  that  their  progress  might  not  be 
interrupted  by  the  rugged  state  of  the  roads,  and  the 
rigor  of  the  season  ;  and  that  they  might  not  be  com- 
pelled to  seek  shelter  from  the  fury  of  the  soldiers. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  Ill 

by  prosecuting  their  journey  on  a  day,  when  they 
deemed  it  unianful  to  travel.  Though  the  desolation 
and  horrors  that  would  prevail  at  the  time  of  the  de- 
struction of  Jerusalem,  would  greatly  surpass  the 
most  dreadful  calamities  that  had  been  known  from 
the  creation  of  the  world  ;  yet  the  elect  of  God,  or 
such  as  had  embraced  the  doctrines  of  the  Christian 
gospel,  would  be  protected  from  the  common  mise- 
ries which  would  be  experienced  by  those  who  re- 
jected the  offers  of  salvation. 

That  the  prophecies  of  our  Saviour,  concerning  the 
dreadful  calamities  the  Jewish  nation  was  to  experi- 
ence, were  verified  in  their  fullest  extent,  is  confirm- 
ed by  the  testimony  of  Josephus,  who  was  present  at 
the  siege  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Roman  army,  under  the 
command  of  Titus. 

"  The  *  extreme  severity  of  the  famine  had  almost 
"  depopulated  the  city  ;  and  the  miseries  consequent 
*'  on  this  calamity,  are  beyond  all  number  or  recital. 
*'  If  it  was  but  suspected  that  there  was  any  conceal- 
•'  ed  food  in  a  family,  this  circumstance  was  sufficient 
*'  to  dissolve  the  tcnderest  ties,  and  create  a  general 
*'  insurrection  among  the  parties.  Those  who  abso- 
*' lutely  perished  of  mere  hunger  were  not  credited^ 
"  even  at  the  hour  of  death,  when  they  declared  that 
"  they  had  no  food  ;  for  no  sooner  had  the  breath 
**  left  their  bodies,  than  immediate  search  was  made 
*'  about  their  persons  on  the  supposition  that  they 
"  had  concealed  some  bread.  When  the  survivors 
**  found  not  what  they  searched  for,  they  ranged  the 
'*  streets  like  mad  dogs, reeling  like  drunkards  through 
"  weakness,  repeatedly  prying  into  every  corner  of 
"  every  house  ;  seizing  whatever  they  could  find, 
*'  even  such  articles  as  u  canine  appetite  would  have 

*  See  Josephus,  translated  by  Thompson  and  Price,  Vol.  II.  p.  5 14. 


112  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  refused.  The  skins  of  beasts,  leather  girdles,*^ and 
"  shoes  were  eaten  ;  and  even  a  handful  of  old  hay 
"  bore  the  price  of  four  atticks.  But  wherefore 
*'  should  I  trouble  myself  with  a  description  of  this 
*'  dreadful  calamity,  in  the  mention  of  these  inani- 
**  mate  substances,  when  I  have  before  me  a  preg- 
"  nant  instance  of  a  circumstance  never  equalled 
*'  among  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians  ;  a  story  of  so 
*'  horrid  a  nature,  that  it  shocks  humanity  but  to  think 
**  of  it.  I  should  be  willing  to  omit  this  unfortunate 
"  narrative,  lest  future  times  should  censure  me  for 
*'  relating  a  falshood :  but  I  have  so  many  testimonies 
*'  of  its  veracity,  that  if  I  should  seek  to  suppress  it 
*'  through  partiality  to  the  deceased,  I  should  be  de- 
"  ficient  in  my  duty  to  my  country.'* 

He  then  proceeds  to  relate,  that  Mary,  the  daugh- 
ter of  a  man  named  Eleazer,  inhibiting  the  village 
of  Vetezcbra,  situated  beyond  the  river  Jordan,  after 
being  despoiled  of  all  her  property  by  the  Roman 
soldiery,  endeavored  by  the  most  acrimonious  re- 
proaches to  provoke  them  to  put  her  to  death  :  but 
failing  in  this,  and  being  driven  to  a  state  of  despe- 
ration by  extreme  hunger,  she  formed  a  resolution 
more  horrid  than  it  is  possible  for  the  powers  of  lan- 
guage to  describe.  After  tenderly  embracing  the 
infant  that  was  sucking  at  her  breast,  she  exclaimed, 
**  In  what  terms  shall  I  address  thee,  most  unhap- 
*^  py  infant,  who  art  born  during  the  raging  of  such 
*'  horrid  judgments  as  rebellion,  famine,  and  war  ! 
"  To  which  of  these  shall  I  reserve  thee  ?  It  is  pos- 
"  sible  the  Romans  will  grant  thee  thy  life,  but  not 
<*  thy  liberty  ;  famine  will  prevent  slavery  :  but  our 
**  present  tyrants  will  be  worse  foes  than  the  other 
•'  two.  What,  in  thy  present  situation,  canst  thou 
*'  do  better  than  to  supply  a  meal  to  ihy  starving  mo- 
"  ther,  and  terrify  the  party  with  the  horror  of  the 
*'  deed  .*'    Thus  shalt  thou  complete  the  history   of 


OUR     BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  113 

"  the  Jews,  with  the  only  attrocious  act  that  is 
'*  yet  wanting  to  render  their  misery  perfect."  Af- 
ter this  apostrophe,  she  slew  the  infant ;  and  hav- 
ing boiled  it,  satisfied  her  appetite  with  one  half  of 
her  child,  and  covering  up  the  other  part,  placed  it 
where  she  usually  kept  her  food.  "  This  circum- 
"  stance,  continues  our  author,  soon  came  to  the 
"  knowledge  of  the  faction  ;  some  of  whom  went  to 
*'  the  house  of  the  woman,  and  threatened  her  with 
*'  immediate  death,  if  she  did  not  produce  what  pro- 
"  visions  she  had  in  the  house.  Hereupon  she  fetch- 
*'  ed  out  that  part  of  the  child  which  still  remained 
**  undevoured,  and  told  them,  that  was  all  the  food 
*'  she  possessed.  This  sight  had  such  an  effect  on 
"  the  spectators,  that  they  at  first  appeared  terrified 
*'  with  horror,  then  trembled  at  the  idea  of  what  had 
"  passed,  and  were  shocked  at  the  consequences  that 
"  were  to  be  dreaded  from  it."  On  this  the  woman 
addressed  them  as  follows  :  "  Be  assured  that  this 
'*  is  my  son,  and  that  I  have  dressed  this  dish,  the 
"  half  of  which  I  have  eaten  myself,  and  request  that 
*' you  will  eat  the  remainder.  I  flatter  myself  that 
"  you  will  not  pretend  to  more  delicacy  than  a  wo- 
•'  man,  or  more  compassion  than  a  mother.  But  if 
**  you  refuse  the  oblation  through  scruples  of  consci- 
"  ence,  you  are  welcome  to  leave  the  food  where  you 
"  have  found  it ;  only  remember  that  I  have  eaten  a 
"  part  of  it  already.  She  had  no  sooner  ended  speak- 
"  ing,.  than  they  departed  with  evident  signs  of  ter- 
"  ror,  leaving,  though  against  their  inclinations, 
"  the  remainder  of  the  child  with  the  unfortunate  mo- 
«'  ther." 

The  learned  author,  from  w'hom  we  have  extracted 
the  above  melancholy  narrative,  *  speaks  of  the  de- 
struction of  the  temple,  and  the  miseries  that  prevail- 

*  Vol.  II.  p.  5ai,  522. 
VOL.      II.  P 


114  THE    HISTORY    OF 

ed  among  the  Jews,  in  a  manner  which  fully  confirms 
the  prophecy  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  concerning  the 
unexampled  severity  with  which  those  people  were 
to  be  punished. 

"  During  the  time  that  the  temple  was  in  flames, 
the  soldiers  seized  every  person  they  could  find  ;  and 
having  first  plundered,  they  slew  them,  without  pay- 
ing the  least  attention  to  age,  sex,  or  quality.  The 
slaughter  on  this  occasion  was  immense  :  the  old,  the 
young ;  those  of  the  priesthood,  and  those  of  the  lai- 
ty ;  persons  of  all  ranks  and  ail  degrees  ;  w  hether  they 
resisted  or  submitted  ;  whether  they  sued  for  quarter 
or  otherwise,  were  all  involved  in  the  general  calami- 
ty of  the  war. 

'*  As  the  fire  continued  to  increase,  the  noise  of  the 
flames  was  heard,  intermixed  with  the  groans  of  per- 
sons in  the  agonies  of  death  :  and  to  those  at  a  dis- 
tance, the  wdiole  city  appeared  to  be  on  fire,  owing  to 
the  extent  of  the  conflagration,  and  the  depth  of  the 
hill.  The  confusion  and  disorder  occasioned  by  this 
event,  were  so  great,  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  lan- 
guage to  describe  them.  The  Roman  legions  made 
the  most  horrid  outcries  :  the  rebels,  when  they  found 
thenibelves  at  the  mercy  of  the  fire  and  sw^ord,  scream- 
ed in  the  most  dreadful  manner ;  while  the  unhappy 
wretches  enclosed  between  the  enemy  and  the  fire,  la- 
mented their  situation  in  the  most  pitiable  complaints. 
Those  on  the  mountain,  and  those  in  the  city,  seemed 
mutually  to  return  the  groans  of  each  other.  Those 
who  were  already  on  the  point  of  expiring  through  fa- 
mine, acquired  fresh  spirits  to  deplore  their  misfor- 
tunes, when  they  saw  the  dreadful  effects  of  the  raging 
flames.  The  complaints  and  lamentations  from  the 
city  were  repeatedly  echoed  from  the  adjacent  moun- 
tains and  places  beyond  Jordan  :  but  the  calamity  ex- 
ceeded in  reality,  all  that  could  be  expressed  by  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  115 

bewailings  of  the  sufferers.  The  flames  of  fire  ^\'ere 
so  violent  and  impetuous,  that  the  mountain  on  which 
the  temple  stood,  resembled  one  larpje  body  of  liie, 
even  from  its  foundation.  The  blood  of  the  suffer- 
ers flowed  in  proportion  to  the  raging  of  the  flames  ; 
for  the  number  of  those  who  were  slain,  exceeded 
that  of  their  executioners.  Dead  bodies  strewed  the 
ground  on  every  side,  and  the  Roman  soldiers  tramp- 
led on  the  bodies  of  the  slain  in  pursuit  of  their  sur- 
vivors. At  length,  however,  a  body  of  the  insurgents 
repelled  the  Romans,  and  having  forced  a  passage 
into  the  outward  temple,  effected  their  escape  into  the 
city ;  while  the  outward  porch  was  gained  by  the  re- 
mainder of  their  number. 

"  Many  of  the  priests  who  had  engaged  in  this  con- 
test with  the  Romans,  made  use  of  the  spits  belong- 
ing to  the  temple,  instead  of  darts ;  and,  in  the  place 
of  stones,  they  threw  their  seats,  which  had  lead  in 
them  ;  but  at  length,  finding  that  the  efforts  of  all 
their  resolution  were  fruitless,  and  that  fire  pursued 
wherever  they  attempted  to  fly,  they  took  refuge  for 
some  time  under  a  thick  wall  that  was  not  less  than 
eight  cubits  in  breadth.  Among  the  principal  per- 
sons who  exerted  themselves  on  this  occasion,  were 
Meirus,  the  son  of  Belgas,  and  Joseph,  the  son  of 
Dalaeus,  who  might  have  preserved  their  own  lives, 
if  they  would  have  taken  part  with  the  Romans  ;  but 
they  rather  chose  to  adhere  to  their  associates,  and 
plunging  themselves  into  the  fire,  were  buried  in  the 
conflagration  that  destroyed  the  temple. 

*'  The  Romans  now  finding  that  the  temple  was 
reduced  to  ashes,  were  less  anxious  as  to  the  preser- 
vation of  any  other  particular  buildings;  wherefore 
they  set  fire  to  most  of  the  gates  and  galleries  at  the 
same  time  ;  sparing  only  one  on  the  cast  side,  and 
another  on  the  south  :  but,  in  a  short  time  afterwards, 


116  THE   HISTOKY    OF 

these  iindersvent  the  fate  of  the  former.  They  like- 
wise burnt  the  treasury  and  the  wardrobe,  containing 
an  immense  treasure  in  jewels,  and  money,  and  rich 
habits  to  a  very  large  amount  :  for,  in  fact,  the  Jews 
had  made  this  place  a  repository  of  every  thing  that 
they  deemed  most  valuable. 

"  There  was  yet  standing  one  gallery  on  the  out- 
side of  the  temple,  to  which  had  resorted  an  immense 
number  of  women  and.  children,  with  a  variety  of 
persons  who  had  fled  from  the  multitude  ;  the  whole 
number  amounting  to  almost  six  thousand.  The  sol- 
diers, enraged  to  the  utmost  degree  of  fury,  set  this 
place  on  fire,  before  Titus  had  an  opportunity  of  giv- 
ing any  directions  concerning  it ;  and  they  continu- 
ed theiro  perations  against  it  with  such  vehemence, 
that  not  a  single  person  escaped  with  life,  numbers 
throwing  themselves  precipitately  from  the  ruins,  and 
all  the  rest  being  consumed  by  the  flames." 

We  shall  now  relate  what  our  blessed  Redeemer 
further  said  to  his  disciples.  He  admonished  them 
to  be  cautious,  lest  they  should  be  deceived  by  im- 
postors ;  saying,  that  many  persons  would  falsely  pre- 
tend to  be  prophets,  and  arrogating  to  themselves  the 
character  of  the  Messiah,  would  endeavor  to  support 
their  claim  to  that  character,  by  performing  miracles 
sufficient  to  mislead,  not  only  the  obstinate  and  con- 
tumacious Jews,  but  even  many  of  those  people  who* 
believed  in  his  gospel.  This  prediction,  Josephus  in- 
forms us,  was  verified  dining  the  siege  of  Jerusalem, 
when  many  persons  assumed  the  character  of  the 
Messiah,  and  pretended  that  they  had  power  to  re- 
deem the  Jewish  nation  from  its  calamitous  and  de- 
plorable situation.  *'  Then  if  any  man  shall  say  unto 
**  you,  Lo,  here  is  Christ,  or  there  :  believe  it  not. 
*'  For  there  shall  rise  false  Christs,  and  false  prophets, 
''  and  shall  shew  great  signs  and  wonders,  insomuch 


OUll    BI.ESSEU    SAVIOUR.  117 

*'  that  (if  it  were  possible)  they  shall  deceive  the  very 
*'  elect.  Behold,  1  have  told  you  before.  Wherefore, 
**  if  they  shall  say  unto  you,  behold,  he  is  in  the  de- 
"  sart,  go  not  forth  :  behold,  he  is  in  the  secret  cham- 
"  bers,  believe  it  not."  Malt.  xxiv.  23,  &c. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  now  informed  the  people, 
that  no  man  could  foresee  when  he  should  come  to 
execute  vengeance  upon  sinners  ;  for  his  appearance 
would  be  unexpecled,  and  swift  and  destructive  as  the 
lightning's  flash.  But  the  words  of  our  Lord  impli 
cd,  that  he  was  not  personally  to  appear  in  order  to 
execute  judgment  on  the  contumacious  Jews,  but  that 
the  Roman  armies  should  spread  desolation  and  hor- 
ror  throughout  Judea,  and  be  sensible  of  no  more 
compassion  for  the  sufferings  of  the  Jews,  than  is  felt 
by  a  voracious  eagle  after  having  seized  its  prey. — 
Wherever  the  tumultuous  Jews  shall  assemble,  vainly- 
expecting  that  the  Messiah  will  become  their  leader  in 
war,  and  enable  them  to  rescue  themselves  from  the 
power  of  their  oppressors,  thither  shall  they  be  pursu- 
ed and  put  to  death  by  the  Romans.  "  As  the  lightning 
"  cometh  out  of  the  east,  and  shineth  even  unto  the 
"  west ;  so  shall  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man, be.  For 
*'  wheresoever  the  carcass  is,  there  will  the  eagles  be 
*'  gathered  together."   Matt.   xxiv.  27,  28. 

Having  particularized  the  tokens  which  were  to 
precede  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  he  described 
that  dreadful  catastrophe  itself,  with  ail  that  gran- 
deur of  imagery,  and  pomp  of  diction,  which  the  an- 
cient prophets  were  accustomed  to  use  when  they 
predicted  the  ruin  of  kingdoms  or  cities.  "  Imme- 
"  diateiy  after  the  tribulation  of  those  days  shall  the 
"  sun  be  darkened,  and  the  moon  shall  not  give  her 
"  light,  and  the  stars  shall  fall  from  heaven,  and  the 
"  powers  of  the  elements  shall  be  shaken."  Matt, 
xliv.  29.     *'  And  there  shall  be  signs  in  the  suii>  and 


«idk  prrffasitT  ;  lie  sta  aadi  Ac 


L^^szeL  ^,  :S6u 


1» 


120  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  house  had  known  in  what  watch  the  thief  would 
*'  come,  he  would  have  watched,  and  would  not  have 
**  suffered  his  house  to  be  broken  up.  Therefore  be 
**  ye  also  ready  :  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not, 
"  the  Son  of  man  cometh.  Who  then  is  a  faithful 
*'  and  wise  servant,  whom  his  lord  hath  made  ruler 
"  over  his  houshold,  to  give  them  meat  in  due  season  ? 
*'  Blessed  is  that  servant,  whom  his  lord  when  he 
"  cometh,  shall  find  so  doing.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
*'  that  he  shall  make  him  ruler  over  all  his  goods. — 
*'  But  and  if  that  evil  servant  shall  say  in  his  heart, 
"  My  lord  delayeth  his  coming,  and  shall  begin  to 
*'  smite  his  fellow-servants,  and  to  eat  and  drink  with 
"  the  drunken  :  the  lord  of  that  servant  shall  come 
"  in  a  day  when  he  lookcth  not  for  him,  and  in  an 
*Miour  that  he  is  not  aware  of ;  and  shall  cut  him 
"  asunder,  and  appoint  him  his  portion  with  the  hy- 
*'  pocrites  :  there  shall  be  weeping  and  gnashing  of 
'^  teeth."   Matt.   xxiv.  42,  &c. 

In  the  above  manner,  did  our  blessed  Redeemer  ex- 
hort his  auditors  to  the  continual  practice  of  righte- 
ousness, and  explain  to  them  the  necessity  of  perse- 
vering in  a  course  of  piety  and  religion.  You  who 
are  the  ministers  of  my  gospel,  are  particularly  en- 
joined to  a  punctual  discharge  of  the  trust  reposed  in 
you,  who  are  the  stewards  appointed  to  hold  posses- 
sion of  the  houshold  of  the  church  ;  and  it  will  be- 
hove you  constantly  to  remember,  that  your  example 
will  have  a  considerable  influence  upon  the  rest  of 
mankind.  It  is  your  duty  to  render  yourselves  per- 
fectly conversant  in  the  great  truths  of  the  gospel  dis- 
pensation, and  to  qualify  yourselves  to  apply  them  in 
such  a  manner,  as  will  niost  effectually  operate  towards 
the  benefit  of  mankind. 

It  is  also  necessary  that  you  should  inform  your- 
selves of  the  characters  and  dispositions  of  those  who 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  121 

are  employed  under  you,  that  you  may  administer 
to  them  whatever  their  necessities  may  require  ;  and 
if,  at  my  appearance  to  judge  mankind,  I  find  you 
thus  employed,  be  assured  that  I  will  bestow  upon 
you  the  rewards  of  my  heavenly  kingdom,  even  as  an 
earthly  master  bestows  favor  and  recompence  upon 
such  servants  as  have  distinguished  themselves  by 
their  fidelity,  and  their  zeal  for  promoting  his  advant- 
age. But  those  on  the  contrary,  who  betray  the 
trust  reposed  in  them,  and  neglect  to  exert  their  ut- 
most endeavors  for  eft'ecting  the  salvation  of  their  fel- 
low-creatures, shall  severely  lament  their  disobedi- 
ence ;  for  when  they  conceive  themselves  to  be  in  a 
state  of  the  most  perfect  security,  I  will  make  them 
the  objects  of  exemplary  justice,  and  inflict  punish- 
ments upon  them  proportioned  to  their  respective 
crimes. 

To  illustrate  the  doctrine  he  had  advanced,  the  di- 
vine Preacher  of  Israel  delivered  the  following  para- 
bles. The  *  men  who  wish  to  obtain  the  blessings 
of  heaven,  shall  proves  to  resemble  the  ten  virgins  who 
were  invited  to  a  nuptial  entertainment. 

These  virgins  were  to  go  forth  to  meet  the  bride- 
groom, and,  after  accompanying  him  home,  to  par- 
take of  the  banquet  provided  on  occasion  of  his  mar- 
riage. They  assembled  at  the  appointed  time,  each 
being  provided  with  a   lamp  and  some  oil.     But  five 

*  A  strong  resemblance  of  this  parable  is  to  be  found  in  the  .Iev>  ish 
records;  and  in  one  of  the  books  of  those  people,  we  have  the  follow- 
ing expressions  :  "  Our  wise  men  of  blessed  memors  say,  llepent 
•'  whilst  thou  hast  strength  to  do  it  ;  whilst  the  lamp  burns,  and  thv  oil 
•♦  is  not  extinguished  ;  for  if  the  lamp  he  gone  out,  tiie  oil  will  j)rolK  thee 
•'  nothing."  Most  of  the  fathers  are  of  opinion,  that  this  parable  was 
meant  to  shew  the  incfficacy  of  late  repentance.  I'he  advice  of  the 
son  of  Sirach  deserves  j)articular  attention,  "  Humble  thyself  before 
"  thoubecst  sick,  and  in  the  time  of  sins,  shew  repentance,  and  defer 
"  not  till  death  to  be  justified." 

VOL.     II.  (^ 


122  THE    HISTORY    OF 

of  them  had  taken  the  precaution  to  provide  them- 
selves with  a  portion  of  oil,  exclusive  of  what  they 
had  put  into  their  lamps.  The  other  five  brought 
their  lamps  already  burning,  but  had  not  oil  to  pre- 
serve the  flame,  in  case  the  bridegroom  should  not 
repair  to  ihem  so  early  as  they  had  been  taught  to  ex- 
pect. The  bridegroom  not  coming  at  the  appointed 
time,  the  virgins   composed  themselves  to  sleep. 

About  the  third  watch,  they  were  awakened  by 
messengers,  dispatched  to  apprize  them  of  the  bride- 
groom's approach.  They  now  hastily  arose,  and 
trimmed  their  lamps :  and  the  improvident  young 
women,  perceiving  that  their  oil  was  exhausted,  re- 
quested a  supply  from  their  companions.  They  re- 
plied, that  it  was  not  convenient  to  comply  with  their 
n 'iuest,  lest  they  should  have  occasion  for  oil  for  the 
supply  of  their  own  lamps:  but  they  advised  their 
associates  to  hasten  to  the  nearest  place  where  oil  was 
sold,  and  purchase  a  sufficient  supply.  They  follow- 
ed this  advice  :  but  during  their  absence,  the  bride- 
groom arrived.  The  five  virgins  whose  lamps  con- 
tinued burning,  joined  the  train,  and  proceeded  to 
the  banqueting-room  :  but  when  the  other  five  came, 
they  were  denied  admitiance.  They  earnestly  solicit- 
ed, thatuhe  bridegroom  would  permit  them  to  par- 
take of  the  entertainment  :  but  he  resolutely  adher- 
ed to  his  resolution,  of  net  allowing  them  to  attend 
the  celebration  of  his  marriage. 

So  also  shall  I  behave  toward  those,  who,  notwith- 
standnig  ihe  benefits  proposed  to  their  acceptance, 
shall  continue  under  the  dominion  of  sin;  and  there, 
fore  1  admonish  you  to  be  careful,  lest  you  should 
transgress  the  precepts  of  my  gospel,  your  strict  ob- 
servance of  whicli  will  most  assuredly  secure  eternal 
salvation.  "  Then  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be 
*'  likened  unto  ten  virgins,  which  took  their  lamps. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  123 

''  and  went  forth  to  meet  the  bridegroom.  And  five 
"  of  them  were  wise,  and  five  were  foolish.  They 
*'  that  were  foolish  took  their  lamps,  and  took  no  oil 
"  wich  ihem  :  but  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  vessels 
*'  with  their  lamps.  While  the  bridegroom  tarried, 
•'  they  all  slumbered  and  slept.  And  at  midnight 
•'  there  was  a  cry  made,  Behold,  the  bridegroom 
"  Cometh,  go  ye  out  to  meet  him.  Then  all  those 
"  virgins  arose,  and  trimmed  their  lamps.  And  the 
"  foolish  said  unto  the  wise,  Give  us  ofyour  oil,  for 
"  our  lamps  are  gone  out.  But  the  wise  answered, 
*'  saying,  Not  so  ;  lest  there  be  not  enough  for  us 
"  and  you  :  but  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  sell,  and 
"  buy  for  yourselves.  And  while  they  went  to  buy, 
*'  the  bridegroom  came,  and  they  that  were  ready, 
^"  went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage,  and  the.  door 
'•  was  shut.  Afterwards  came  also  the  other  virgins, 
''  saying.  Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us.  But  he  answer* 
"  ed  and  said.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  know  you 
"  not.  Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  neither  the  day 
"  nor  the  hour,  wherein  the  Son  of  man  cometh."- — 
Matt.  XXV.   1,  he. 

In  order  to  explain  the  meaning  of  the  above  pa- 
rable, it  is  necessary  to  observe,  that  it  alludes  to  the 
ceremonies  observed  at  the  marriages  among  the 
Jews.  It  was  usual  for  the  bridegroom  to  conduct 
his  wife  home  in  the  evening  ;  and  his  female  friends 
and  acquaintances  were  accustomed  to  wait  with 
lamps,  till  ihey  were  informed  of  the  approach  of  the 
new  married  couple,  when  they  proceeded  to  meet 
and  congratulate  them  on  occasion  of  their  marriage, 
and  to  accompany  them  home,  each  carrying  a  burn- 
ing lamp. 

To  ten  such  virgins,  our  blessed  Saviour  compared 
all  those  persons  to  whom  the  gosi)el  was  preached  ; 
ten  being  the  usual  number  of  virgms  appointed  to 


124  THE    HISTORY    OF 

attend  the  bride  and  bridegroom.  To  these  vir- 
gins, may  be  compared  all  the  true  professors  of 
the  Christian  gospel ;  and  the  lamps  which  were 
carried  by  the  virgins  are  discriptive  of  faith  in 
Christ,  who  is  the  celestial  Bridegroom,  and  to  meet 
whom  ali  true  disciples  go  forth,  in  order  to  solicit 
that  they  may  be  admitted  into  the  blessed  regions  of 
immortality. 

The  weakness  of  some,  is  represented  by  the  vir- 
gins who  did  not  provide  oil  for  the  supply  of  their 
lamps  :  so  those  Christians  who  only  make  a  profes- 
sion of  faith  in  the  gospel,  and  neglect  to  furnish  them- 
selves with  the  oil  of  divine  grace,  the  fruit  of  which 
is  holiness,  must  not  expect  to  obtain  the  favor  of  the 
heavenly  Bridegroom.  But,  on  the  contrary,  the 
wise,  conscious  that  faith  without  holiness  must  prove 
ineffectual,  are  careful  to  acquire  a  necessary  portion 
of  divine  grace,  and  ever  disposed  to  perform  works  of 
love  and  charity. 

While  waiting  for  the  appearance  of  the  bridegroom, 
the  ten  virgins  are  said  to  have  slept :  whereby  it  is 
intimated,  that  both  the  sincere  and  hypocritical  pro- 
fessors of  the  Christian  religion,  lie  down  together  in 
the  common  sleep  of  death  ;  and  whde  the  iMessiah 
delays  his  appearaace,  mankind  slumber  together  in 
the  mansions  of  the  grave. 

The  Jews  have  a  tradition,  that  the  Messiah  will 
come  to  judge  mankind  at  midnight;  but  however 
this  may  be,  certain  it  is  that  his  appearance  will  be 
sudden,  alarming  and  awful  ;  his  tremendous  v(jice 
will  be  heard  in  the  remotest  quarters  of  the  globe, 
and  will  penetrate  into  the  very  bowels  of  the  earth, 
and  the  utmost  depths  of  the  oceaii.  *'  Behold  the 
"  Bridegroom  cometh,  go  ye  out  to  meet  him." 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  125 

As  the  improvident  virgins  were  refused  admittance 
to  the  marriage  banquet,  so  will  the  enemies  of  Christ, 
and  those  who  do  not  conform  to  the  precepts  of  his 
gospel,  be  rejected  by  him  on  the  great  and  awful  day 
of  judgment.  Therefore  he  kindly  exhorts  us  to 
watch,  that  we  may  be  in  a  constant  state  of  prepara- 
tion to  appear  before  the  grand  and  solemn  tribunal  of 
Almighty  justice.  Let  us  not  disregard  this  benevo- 
lent invitation,  but  by  a  steady  perseverance  in  the  du- 
ties of  righteousness  and  virtue,  be  ever  prepared  to 
accompany  the  great  author  of  our  salvation,  to  the 
banquet  of  happiness  prepared  for  his  true  disciples 
in  the  blessed  regions  of  the  heavenly  Canaan. 

More  clearly  to  explain  the  true  nature  of,  and  the 
inestimable  advantages  to  be  derived  from,  Christian 
watchfulness,  our  blessed  Saviour  delivered  another 
parable,  which,  like  the  former,  is  calculated  to  ex- 
cite us  to  a  punctual  discharge  of  our  religious  du- 
ties. 

A  man  who  had  occasion  to  undertake  a  long  jour- 
ney distributed  a  sum  of  money  among  his  servants, 
giving  five  talents  to  one,  two  to  another,  and  one  ta- 
lent to  a  third,  and  commanding  them  to  employ  these 
sums  to  the  best  advantage  during  his  absence  ;  and 
upon  tht'ir  promising  to  comply  with  his  directions, 
he  departed. 

The  servant  who  had  received  the  five  talents,  im- 
mediately employed  them  in  traffic,  and  his  success 
was  equal  to  his  industry  and  application  ;  for  before 
his  master's  return,  he  doubled  the  original  sum. — 
The  man  who  had  received  the  two  talents,  pursued 
a  similar  conduct,  and  with  equal  success.  But  the 
third  servant,  being  fearful  of  engaging  in  traffic,  lest 
his  master's  property  should  be  consumed,  dug  a  hole 


126  THE    HISTORY    OV 

in  the  earth,  and  therein  deposited  the  talent  he  had 
received. 

After  a  considerable  time  had  ehipscd,  the  master 
returned,  and  ordered  the  three  servants  to  relate  in 
what  manner  they  had  discharged  tlie  trust  reposed  in 
them.  He  hi^^hly  extolled  the  prudence  and  industry 
of  the  two  servants  who  had  doubled  the  money  they 
had  received,  and  promised  to  bestow  upon  them  such 
rewards  as  were  due  to  their  merits.  But  the  third 
servant  returned  to  his  niiister  the  talent  with  which 
he  had  been  intrusted,  alledging,  in  excuse  for  not 
having  improved  the  money,  that  being  conscious  of 
the  covetousness  of  his  disposition,  he  had  neglected 
to  employ  the  mbney  in  commerce,  from  an  apprehen- 
sion that  his  undertaking  might  prove  unsuccessful, 
and  that  payment  of  the  money  he  was  intrusted  with, 
would  be  rigorous!}^  exacted.  Hereupon  his  master 
severely  reproached  hirn  for  his  indolence  ;  and  in- 
formed him,  that  although  he  believed  him  to  be  of 
an  austere  and  rapacious  disposition,  he  should  have 
put  the  money  out  to  use,  that  some  advantage  might 
have  been  obtained  by  the  accumulation  of  interest. 
He  then  ordered  the  talent  he  had  returned,  to  be  gi- 
ven to  the  servant  who  had  gained  five  talents  by  traf- 
fic, and  that  the  iudoient  man  misriit  be  dismissed  his 
presence,  to  spend  the  night  in  a  solitary  place  near 
the  hou^e,  there  to  lament  his  indiscretion  ;  and  at 
the  same  time,  he  gave  the  ether  two  men  permission 
to  sit  at  table  with  him  in  the  banquetting-room, 
which  was  illuminated  with  lamps  and  torchics. 

"  For  the  kinsdom  of  heaven  is  as  a  man  travelling: 
*'  into  a  far  country,  who  called  his  own  servants, 
**  and  delivered  unto  them  his  goods  :  and  unto  one 
"  he  gave  five  talents,  to  another  two,  and  to  another 
*'  one,  to  every  man  according  to  his  several  abiiiry, 
"  and  straightway  took   his  journey.     Then  he  that 


OUn    BLESSED    SAVIOUU.  1^27 

had  received  the  five  talents,  went  and  traded  with 
the  same,  and  made  them  other  five  talents.     And 
likewise    he  that  had  reeeived  two,   he  also  gained 
other  two.     But  he  that  had  received  one,  went  and 
dif^ged  in  the  earth,  and  hid  his  lord's  money.    Af- 
ter a  long^  time,  the  lord  of  those  servants  cometh, 
and  reckoneth  with  them.     And  so  he  that  had  re- 
ceived five   talenls,  came   and   brought    other   five 
talents,  saying,    Lord,   thou  delivcredst    unto  me 
five   talents  :    behold,  I  have  gained  besides  theni 
five  talents   rnorc.     His  lord  said  unto  him,  Well 
done,  thou   good  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast 
'  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ru- 
'  ler  over  many  things  ;   enter  thou   into  the  joy  of 
'  thy  lord.     He  also  that  received  two  talents,  came 
'  and    said,   Lord,    thou    deliveredst   unto   me   two 
'  talents  :   behold,  I  have  gained  two  other  talents  be- 
'  sides  them.     His  lord   said  unto  him.  Well  done, 
'  good  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful 
'  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
'  things:   enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord.     Then 
'  he  which   had  received  the  one  talent,   came  and 

*  said.  Lord,  I  knew  thee,  that  thou  art  an  hard  man, 
'  reaping  where  thou  hast  not  sov»n,  and  gatherinp* 
'  where  thou  hast  not  strawcd  :  and  i  was  afraid,  and 
'  went  and  hid  thy  talent  in  the  earth  :  lo,  there  thou 
'  hast  that  is  thine.  His  lord  answered,  and  said 
'  unto  him.  Thou  wicked  and  slothful  servant,  thoa 
'  knewest  that  I  reap  where  I  sovv'ed  not,  and  gather 
'  where  I  have  not  strawcd  :  thou  oughtest  thcicfore 
'  to  have  put  my  money  to  the  exchangers,  and  then 

*  at  my  coming  I  should  have  received  mine  own  with 
'  usury.  Take  therefore  the  talent  from  him,  and 
'  give  it  unto  him  which  hath  ten  talents.  For  unio 
'  every  one  that  hath  shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have 
'abundance:  but  from  him  that  hath  not  shall  be 
'  taken  away,  even  that  wb.iclj  he  hath.  And  cast  ye 
'  the  unprofitable  servant  into  outer  darkness  :   there 


yr,ifcirf.T.  w  yrilj^'  iBSifer ^aixiwKpiK^  tine  dudts^WwiW! 
^>K  m»  wwiiJi  3iib»  avftidber^  iton  tfctse  cJfat'.i>  agg  com 

BT  «<e  ^fanjfaigg  liK  tnKt  fvfiQsed  hi  «s  villi 

mi^S^Hwi  ;  IwA.  iT  w^aiYKubs  im  dx-  peHbnKHKr  «f 
ai  wQsaK  <Attf ,«  ««-  slaM  infiMihN  be* 


R  a^fnadMi^  MM  kMT  sdom  at 
nve^  it  is  iiaycff^JhJc  6r  «5  to  «3c«enMne. 


safta^ncaftdfesaKe;  ferkis 


kaa^  «C  aen«r$  wis  re«»iTC>  ibe  ai«Sil  vanaMtto 
esfcanRe :  Imm  saacr  i(  is  cer-. 
anive,  ii  bdnwcs  «s  to  be 
at  caosMK  SJUOP  ef  mqpijgjqo;  lor  S?5 


■s^Ktaoai  is  Hot  eqaol  Id  las  deserts. 


n9 


JLwtifmask 


9 


Ac 


«f  tferSffkit:  ail^c 


tocxest  «■ 

jxe  viae  eads  fiar  «§adk 
1  ifc'.ng  ribecM&ca  < 


Gail 

:^  d!iiag%.  and  sc  mfiirrT  &3ik  cSieBB 

zt-zsc  gOBpei  ifJnnrM  tf  wmIj  so  m  j*  itcav 

'.j.'~z    Zr^d.  11  ^raiif^  C^KSK  IMtrfc  aaSB&BSCES cf  iftc  t^ JXC 


130  THE   HISTORY    OF 

grace  as  will  enable  them  to  subdue  their  intempt- 
rate  passions  and  corrupt  inclinations. 

The  powers  we  possess  are  gifts  deposited  with  us 
by  God,  to  whom  we  are  accountable  for  their  proper 
application  ;  and  if  we  pervert  them  to  improper  pur- 
poses,  we  must  not  hope  to  escape  the  divine  displea- 
sure. The  capacities  which  we  have  derived  from 
the  favor  and  affection  of  God,  arc  doubtless  improve- 
able,  for  they  would  otherwise  be  neither  of  value 
nor  use  ;  and  indeed,  the  Almighty  has  solemnly  en- 
joined us  to  effect  this  improvement ;  for  he  has  de- 
nounced the  severest  vengeance  against  those  who 
neglect  this  important  duty. 

Without  proper  cultivation,  the  finest  natural  abi- 
lities will  fail  of  having  their  proper  effect ;  and  the 
most  extensive  knowledge  cannot  be  preserved,  un- 
less they  are  frequently  called  forth  into  use  and  exer- 
cise ;  and  the  same  observation  is  applicable  to  moral 
accomplishments  , which,  if  they  are  suffered  to  remain 
inactive,  will  gradually  lose  their  vigor,  and  be,  at 
length,  wholly  obliterated.  To  habituate  ourselves 
to  a  virtuous  coarse  of  life,  considerable  attention 
and  care  will  be  found  necessary  ;  but  to  persevere  in 
that  course,  with  that  degree  of  spirit  and  vigor 
which  we  are  commanded  to  maintain,  will  require  ad- 
ditional exertions  of  fortitude  as  well  as  piety.  Un- 
less we  co-operate  with  the  impulses  of  divine  grace, 
the  impressions  they  have  made  upon  the  heart  of 
man,  will  gradually  decay,  and  in  process  of  time  be 
wholly  expunged.  *'  The  Spirit  of  God  will  not  al- 
"  ways  strive  With  a  man." 

The  Alrnighty  intrusts  to  our  care  and  manage- 
ment, a  charge  equalto  the  service  which  he  expects 
us  to  render  him  :  biit  if  we  are  indolent,  and  neglect 
to  employ  the  gifts  he  has  bestowed  upon  us  towards 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  131 

effecting  the  purposes  for  which  they  were  designed, 
he  will  recall  the  bounties  he  has  bestowed.  *'  Take 
"  from  him  the  talent,  and  give  it  to  him  that  hath 
*'  ten  talents."  Let  us  therefore  industriously  make 
advantage  of  the  trust  reposed  in  us  ;  for  the  time  will 
arrive,  when  we  shall  be  called  strictly  to  account  for 
our  conduct ;  and  if  we  have  neglected  to  improve  the 
gifts  of  the  Almighty,  he  will  deprive  us  of  what  he 
has  bestowed.  What  this  improvement  implies,  and 
how  we  may  discharge  this  duty,  are  matters  claim- 
ing our  most  serious  concern.  To  improve  the  gifts 
of  God,  is  certainly  to  employ  them  in  such  a  man- 
ner, as  will  most  effectually  tend  to  the  advancement 
of  his  honor  and  glory. 

In  the  creation  of  man,  the  design  of  the  Almighty 
was,  that  he  should  magnify  the  divine  honor  and 
glory  ;  and  he  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  bestow 
upon  us  such  powers,  and  to  grant  us  such  assistance 
of  divine  grace,  as  are  adapted  to  the  full  accomplish- 
ment of  this  important  end.  By  learning,  we  may 
cultivate  our  understanding  ;  and  by  studious  enqui- 
ry, extend  our  knowledge  through  all  the  subjects  of 
human  investigation  :  but  if  our  design  in  these  pur- 
suits be  only  to  gratify  curiosity,  indulge  vanity  or 
ambition,  or  to  promote  our  temporal  advantage,  we 
shall  not  be  serving  God,  but,  on  the  contrary,  be 
acting  either  as  is  most  agreeable  to  our  own  incli- 
nations, or  most  likely  to  promote  our  private  inte- 
rests. 

We  may  increase  our  portion  of  God's  outward 
gifts,  but,  if  we  only  apply  them  to  the  enlargement 
of  our  own  conveniences,  we  neglect  to  make  that 
improvement  which  our  Master  expects.  We  may 
exult  in  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  and  wealth, 
considering  them  as  inexhaustible  sources  of  private 
satisfaction  :   but  it  behoves  us  constantly  to  remcm- 


132  THE    HISTORY    OF 

ber,  that  when  we  are  called  to  a  reckoning  with  the 
Almighty,  these  advantages  will  be  included  in  our 
account,  and  they  will  in  no  respect  operate  to  our  be- 
nefit, unless  we  have  employed  them  in  the  multipli- 
cation of  our  virtues,  or  rendered  them  instrumental 
in  promoting  the  cause  of  religion  and  the  eternal  sal- 
vation of  our  fellow-creatures. 

From  what  has  been  said  above,  wc  may  reasonably 
infer,  that  in  a  future  state,  there  will  be  different  de- 
grees of  happiness  and  glory  ;  and  that  they  will  be 
proportioned  to  the  fidelity  with  which  we  have  dis- 
charged our  religious  duties  to  God,  and  our  moral 
obligations  to  men. 

Dreadful  will  be  the  situation  of  that  man,  who  has 
improvidently  squandered  away  the  stock  intrusted  to 
his  care,  or  suffered  the  gifts  bestowed  upon  him  to 
perish  for  want  of  use  ;  or  by  perverting  them  to  the 
purposes  of  vice,  has  provoked  the  Almighty  to  recall 
his  benefactions.  By  what  means  shall  the  prodigal, 
who  has  extravagantly  dissipated  his  wealth,  appease 
the  wrath  of  his  provoked  Judge  ?  by  reflecting  on  the 
awful  scene  that  will  ensue,  when  he  appears  before 
the  solemn  tribunal  of  the  Almighty,  he  will  have 
sufficient  cause  for  alarm  and  terror  ;  but  he  must 
not  suffer  these  to  overwhelm  him  with  despair,  since 
by  an  immediate  and  sincere  reformation,  he  will  make 
atonement  for  his  past  indiscretions,  and  extinguish 
that  wrath  which  has  been  kindled  against  him. 

He  who  has  forfeited  the  most  excellent  endow- 
ments, may  have  them  restored  to  him  in  their  utmost 
perfection,  by  the  benevolent  power  by  whom  they 
were  originally  bestowed.  Those  who  have  observ- 
ed the  most  rigid  circumspection  in  the  discharge  of 
their  religions  duties,  will  not  be  so  free  from  the  con- 
taminations of  vice,  as  to  require  no  allowance  to  be 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  133 

made  for  their  failings  :  but  on  the  great  day  of  judg- 
ment, they  are  to  rely  on  the  benevolence  of  the  all- 
merciful  Judge,  and  not  on  the  supposition  of  their 
own  desert,  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

The  blessed  Jesus  now  delivered  a  third  parable, 
wherein  he  described  his  coming  to  judge  mankind. 
Wnen  he,  whom  you  now  consider  as  one  of  the  or- 
dinary race  of  mortals,  shall  come  from  heaven,  sur- 
rounded by  the  glorious  heavenly  host  of  angels,  he 
shall  seat  himself  upon  the  grand  tribunal  of  almigh- 
ty and  eternal  justice.  Then  the  whole  human  race 
shall  be  rescued  from  the  dominion  of  death,  and  be 
summoned  to  appear  before  the  tremendous  judgment- 
seat  of  God.  They  shall  then  be  divided  into  two 
parts,  as  the  shepherd  separates  the  sheep  from  the 
goats  :  the  sheep,  or  the  good  men,  shall  stand  on  his 
*  right  hand,  and  the  goats,  or  wicked  people,  on  the 
left.  The  King  of  men  and  angels,  addressing  him- 
self to  those  on  his  right  hand,  shall  say,  Approach, 

0  you,  who  are  appointed  by  my  heavenly  Father  to 
receive  the  rewards  of  his  everlasting  kingdom,  which 
were  f  prepared  for  you  from  the  creation  of  the  world. 
When  I  was  hungry,  you  srapplied  me  with  food;  when 

1  thirsted,  you  gave  me  drink ;  when  I  appeared 
among  you  as  a  stranger,  you  courteously  entertained 
me  ;  when  I  was  diffident  of  clothing,  you  furnished 
me  with  apparel  ;  when  afflicted  with  sickness,  you 
afforded  me  relief ;  when  under  confinement,  you  vi- 
sited me,  kindly  condoling  with  me  on  account  of  my 

*  This  seems  to  allu  le  to  a  custom  among  the  Jews  in  capital  caus- 
es, when  they  who  w^re  to  receive  absolution,  were  placed  on  the 
ric^ht  hand  of  the  Sanhedrim,  and  those  who  were  to  receive  sentence 
of  condemnation  on  tiie  left. 

t  The  Jews  are  of  opinion,  that  the  Almighty  prepared  Paradise  for 
the  reception  of  the  righteous,  even  previous  to  the  formation  of  the 
earth. 


134  THE    HISTORY    OF 

misfortunes,  and  offering  me  every  assistance  in  your 
power. 

The  righteous  men  will  then  ask  when  these  events 
happened,  and  say,  that  they  are  not  conscious  of  his 
having  been  in  a  situation  to  require  their  assistance, 
or  that  he  had  received  any  services  from  them. — 
Hereupon  the  King  will  reply,  that  he  considers  all 
the  offices  of  charity  which  they  have  performed  in 
behalf  of  their  distressed  brethren,  as  instances  of 
their  affection  towards  hiin,  and  as  proofs  of  their 
obedience  to  the  precepts  of  his  gospel.  Then  turn- 
ing to  those  on  the  left  hand,  he  will  pronounce  up- 
on them  that  dreadful  and  irrevocable  sentence  which 
their  obstinate  perseverance  in  the  most  abominable 
iniquities  has  provoked.  Depart  from  me,  ye  chil- 
dren of  abomination  ;  for  you  are  consigned  to  the 
place  of  everlasting  torments,  *  prepared  for  the  devils 
and  wicked  men.  When  I  was  hungry,  you  refused  me 
meat,  and  drink  when  1  was  thirsty  ;  when  I  appeared 
as  a  stranger,  you  would  afford  me  no  entertainment ; 
nor  when  sick  and  in  prison,  would  you  grant  me  re- 
lief. The  wicked  will  then  deny  the  justice  of  these 
accusations,  and  alledge,  that  they  neither  refused  to 
afford  him  relief,  nor  even  knew  him  to  be  in  circum- 
stances of  distress.  But  the  Judge  will  answer,  that 
he  accounts  their  refusal  to  afford  relief  to  his  disci- 
ples, as  an  heinous  offence  committed  against  him- 
self. Therefore  they  shall  be  condemned  to  suffer 
perpetual  torments,  while  the  others  shall  enjoy  a 
state  of  uninterrupted  felicity. 


*  The  Fathers  are  of  opinion,  that  where  Christ  speaks  of  the  punish- 
ments, he  is  not  to  be  understood  in  the  same  manner  us  when  he 
speaks  of  the  blessings,  lest  it  should  be  suj)posed,  that  God  had  de- 
sii^neu  the  punishment  of  men  before  they  had  sinned.  God  is  the  au- 
thor and  procurer  of  man's  happiness  ;  but  man  0!>ly  is  the  author  of 
his  own  misery. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  135 

In  the  Old  Testament,  good  men  are  frequently 
compared  to  sheep,  on  account  of  their  usefulness 
and  innocence,  as  are  wicked  men  to  goats  on  ac- 
count of  their  inordinate  lusts.  However,  the  alle- 
gory is  pursued  no  further  ;  but  he  proceeds  to  ex- 
hort mankind  to  a  life  of  righteousness,  in  a  stile  of 
beautiful  simplicity  ;  for  notwithstanding  the  solem- 
nity and  grandeur  of  the  subjects  on  which  the  great 
Preacher  of  Israel  addresses  the  multitude,  his  mean- 
ing is  clearly  obvious.  "  When  the  Son  of  man 
"  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels 
*'  with  him,  then  shall  he  set  upon  the  throne  of  his 
"  glory.  And  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all  na- 
*'  tions  ;  and  he  shall  separate  them  one  from  ano- 
*'  ther,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep  from  the 
*'  goats :  and  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right 
"  hand,  but  the  goats  on  the  left.  Then  shall  the 
"  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand.  Come,  ye 
**  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  pre- 
*'  pared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
"  For  I  was  an  hungred,  and  ye  gave  me  meat :  I 
*'  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink  :  I  was  a  stran- 
*'  ger,  and  ye  took  me  in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed 
*'  me  :  I  was  sick,  and  jq  visited  me  :  I  was  in  pri- 
*'  son,  and  ye  came  unto  me.  Then  shall  the  righ- 
"  teous  answer  him,  saying,  Lord,  when  saw  we  thee 
"an  hungered,  and  fed  thee?  or  thirsty,  and  gave 
"  thee  drink  ?  When  saw  we  thee  a  stranger,  and 
"  took  thee  in  ?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee  ?  Or 
^'  when  saw  we  thee  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  came 
*'  unio  thee  ?  And  the  King  shall  answer,  and  say 
"  unio  them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Inasmuch  as 
'"•  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these 
"  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  mc.  Then 
*'  shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  the  left  hand,  De- 
"  part  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  pre- 
"  ])arc(l  for  the  devil  and  his  angels.  For  I  \\  as  an 
"  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me   no  meat :   I  was  thirs- 


136  THE    HISTOKY    OF 

'*  ty,  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink :  I  was  a  stranger, 
"  and  ye  took  me  not  in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me 
"  not :  sick  and  in  prison,  and  visited  me  not— — 
*'  Then  shall  they  also  answer  him,  saying.  Lord, 
*^  when  saw  we  thee  an  hungered,  or  athirst,  or  a 
**  stranger,  or  naked,  or  sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did 
*'  not  minister  unto  thee  .''  Then  shall  he  answer 
"  them,  saying,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  in  as  much 
"  as  ye  did  it  not  to  one  of  the  least  of  these,  ye  did 
*'  it  not  to  me.  And  these  shall  go  away  into  ever- 
"  lasting  punishment ";  but  the  righteous  into  life 
"eternal,"  Matt.  xxv.  31,  &c. 

From  the  above  parable  we  learn,  that  we  shall  be 
condemned  to  everlasting  torments,  or  be  rewarded 
with  the  glorious  and  ineffable  blessings  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven,  according  to  our  conduct  during  our 
state  of  terrestrial  probation.  A  more  effectual  me- 
thod could  not  possibly  have  been  suggested,  for  con- 
veying an  idea  of  the  warmth  and  force  of  the  divine 
benevolence  to  the  sons  of  sinful  men,  or  to  incite  a 
stronger  disposition  to  charitable  offices,  than  that  of 
the  Son  of  God,  surrounded  by  the  whole  celestial 
host,  proclaiming  from  his  seat  of  judgment,  in  the 
presence  of  the  whole  human  race,  that  all  good  offi- 
ces towards  their  fellow-creatures,  he  would  reward 
as  liberally  as  if  they  had  been  performed  in  behalf  of 
himself.  During  his  residence  upon  earth,  under  the 
appearance  of  humanity,  our  blessed  Redeemer  suf- 
fered innumerable  injuries  and  mortifications.  Righ- 
teous men  laboring  under  persecution  and  distresses, 
he  considers  as  his  brethren  ;  he  loves  them  with  the 
utmost  tenderness,  and  interests  himself  in  their  wel- 
fare ;  he  grieves  when  they  are  afflicted,  and  rejoices 
upon  the  return  of  their  happiness. 

It  is  probable,  that  the  reason  why  the  grand  en- 
quiry in  the  above  parable  should  refer  only  to  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUU.  137 

performance  of  duties  is,  that  the  generality  of  man- 
kind  consider  the  neglect  of  moral  obligations  as  a 
matter  of  but  small  importance,  although  they  scru- 
pulously avoid  the  commission  of  those  actions  which 
come  under  the  description  of  absolute  crimes. — 
Hence  then,  while  they  keep  themselves  free  from  the 
latter,  they  are  with  little  difficulty,  able  to  silence  the 
upbraidings  of  conscience  on  the  score  of  the  former. 
This  being  one  of  the  most  fatally  pernicious  errors 
both  in  religion  and  morality,  our  blessed  Redeemer 
judged  it  prudent  to  pronounce  a  most  solemn  cau- 
tion against  persevering  in  so  dangerous  a  mode  of 
conduct. 

On  another  occasion,  the  great  Judge  himself  de- 
clared the  duties  of  piety  to  be  of  superior  importance 
to  those  of  charity  ;  and  therefore  it  is  necessary  to 
observe,  that  charity  and  religion  cannot  exist  sepa- 
rately from,  and  independently  of  each  other  ;  for  pie- 
ty, of  which  faith  is  the  origin,  must  ever  be  productive 
of  charity  ;  and  a  desire  to  perform  offices  of  kindness, 
friendship,  and  charity,  must  necessarily  include  a 
disposition  to  righteousness.  It  is  indisputably  cer- 
tain, that  a  very  intimate  connection  subsists  be- 
tween righteousness  and  charity  ;  for  our  love  of  God, 
results  from  our  admiration  of  his  unbounded  bene- 
volence, and  other  perfections. 

In  the  parable  above  recited,  the  enquiry  is  perhaps 
represented  as  turning  upon  the  duties  of  charity, 
because  in  this  there  are  fewer  opportunities  for  self- 
deception  than  in  other  branches  of  goodness.  By 
an  ostentatious  display  of  extraordinary  zeal,  and  a 
specious  conformity  to  the  external  ceremonials  of 
religion,  hypocritical  professors  of  holiness  may  ob- 
tain the  reputation  of  possessing  those  virtues  to 
which  their  hearts  are  absolute  strangers  ;  they  may 
assume  the  appearance  of  sanctity,  although  they  arc 

VOL.    II.  s 


138  THE    HISTORY    OF 

incapable  of  discharging  the  important  obligations  of 
charity  ;  they  may  obtain  the  credit  of  being  righte- 
ouSj  although  they  are  covetous,  unjust,  rapacious, 
proud  and  cruel  :  but  none  can  assume  the  appear- 
ance of  charity,  unless  they  supply  the  hungry  with 
food,  the  naked  with  apparel,  or  in  some  other  man- 
ner contribute  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  their  dis- 
tressed brethren. 

In  particular  instances,  however,  works  of  charity- 
may  proceed  from  other  principles  than  those  of  pie- 
ty and  benevolence ;  they  may  be  performed  from 
motives  of  pride,  vanity,  or  ostentation,  or  from  inte- 
rested views  :  but  though  the  affectation  of  these  vir- 
tues may  raise  a  transitory  reputation,  the  fallacity 
must,  in  the  very  nature  of  things,  be  speedily  de- 
tected. The  man  whose  heart  is  warmed  by  a  genu- 
ine, permament,  and  extensive  principle  of  charity, 
we  may  reasonably  conclude  to  have  an  ardent  affec- 
tion for  God. 

From  what  is  said  above,  it  follows,  as  a  natural 
consequence,  that  all  pretences  to  goodness,  without  a 
principle  of  grace  implanted  in  the  heart,  will  not 
operate  towards  our  eternal  salvation.  He  who  enter- 
tains a  due  veneration  for  holiness,  justice  and  truth 
in  men,  cannot  fail  to  admire,  reverence,  and  love  God, 
who  possesses  those  qualities  in  an  infinitely  supe- 
rior degree  :  and  he  who  is  disposed  to  express  gra- 
titude towards  his  fellow-creatures,  on  account  of  be- 
nefactions received  from  them,  cannot  but  be  more 
strongly  inclined  to  acknowledge  the  wonderful  good- 
ness of  God,  to  whose  bounty  alone  he  is  indebted 
for  all  the  blessings  he  enjoys.  But  if  we  do  not  re- 
turn thankfulness  for  the  benefits  conferred  upon  us  by 
God,  and  are  deficient  in  the  practice  of  our  religious 
duties,  we  must  expect  to  feel  the  punishments  due 
to  such  abominable  ingratitude.     Hence  then  it  ap-. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  139 

pears,  that  true  righteousness  can  never  exist  where 
morality  is  wanting; ;  and  that  the  man  who  affects  to 
comply  with  the  moral  obligations,  and  is  yet  destitute 
of  holiness  and  sanctity,  must  expose  himself  to  the 
displeasure  both  of  God  and  man  ;  for  he  can  be  no 
other  than  a  wicked  impostor. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  has  told  us,  that  the  fire  of  hell 
was  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels,  but  not  pur- 
posely for  wicked  men  :  but  he  expressly  declares, 
that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  was  prepared  for  the  re- 
ception of  the  righteous.  Hence  it  appears,  that  our 
Lord  meant  to  teach  us  that  the  original  design  of 
heaven  was  to  render  mankind  happy  ;  for  a  state  of 
consummate  felicity  was  formed  for  the  human  race, 
at  the  time  of  their  creation  :  but  the  fire  of  hell  was 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels  immediately  af- 
ter their  fall.  And  as  wicked  men  unite  themselves 
with  the  devils  in  their  sin  and  rebellion  against  the 
Majesty  of  heaven,  they  are  consigned  to  share  in 
the  punishments  prepared  for  the  apostate  spirits. 

In  addition  to  the  evidence  already  adduced  to  prove 
that  Christ  was  possessed  of  a  divine  power,  we  shall 
here  enumerate  some  further  circumstances.  Our 
blessed  Saviour  foretold,  among  many  other  prophe- 
cies which  were  afterwards  fully  accomplished,  that  he 
should  suffer  at  Jerusalem  ;  that  he  should  there  be 
betrayed  into  the  power  of  the  Sanhedrim,  who  would 
condemn  him  to  a  painful  and  ignominious  death,  and 
deliver  him  to  the  Gentiles  to  be  mocked  and  scourg- 
ed :  that  Judas  was  the  person  who  would  betray 
him  ;  that  he  should  be  forsaken  by  the  other  disci- 
ples ;  that  Peter,  in  particular,  would  deny  him  three 
times  ;  that  he  should  die  upon  a  cross,  and  rise  on  the 
third  day  :  he  also  predicted  the  manner  of  St.  Peter's 
death  ;  that  St.  John  would  live  to  be  a  witness  of  the 
destruction  of  Jerusalem  ;  that  after  his  decease,  the 


140  THE    HISTORY    OF 

apostles  would  be  cruelly  persecuted,  together  with 
the  mission  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  comfort  and  enlight- 
en them,  and  to  enable  them  successfully  to  preach 
the  gospel. 

The  time  when  the  city  of  Jerusalem  was  destroy- 
ed, the  circumstances  attending  the  demolition  of  the 
temple,  the  terrible  judgments  inflicted  upon  the  Jew- 
ish nation,  and  their  final  dispersion,  were  events 
which  occurred  precisely  according  to  the  prophecies 
of  our  blessed  Saviour  ;  and  this  is  attested  by  Jose- 
phus,  who  was  a  witness  to  many  of  the  facts. 

With  respect  to  the  time,  our  Lord  said,  that  the  ge- 
neration of  men  then  living  should  not  pass  away,  till 
the  prophecies  he  then  spoke  to  them  should  be  fully 
accomplished ;  thereby  informing  his  auditors,  that 
some  of  those  to  whom  he  then  addressed  himself, 
would  be  still  living  at  the  time  of  the  destruction  of 
the  city  and  temple  of  Jerusalem  ;  and  after  his  resur- 
rection, he  says,  that  St.  John  should  live  to  see  those 
terrible  judgments,  all  of  which  were  executed  pre- 
cisely as  had  been  foretold,  within  forty  years  after 
being  denounced. 

He  also  denoted  this  time  by  the  signs  that  should 
then  appear,  particularly  by  the  coming  of  false  Christs 
and  false  prophets.  False  Christs  were  such  as  as- 
sumed the  name  of  the  Messiah,  and  pretended  to  be 
endued  with  the  power  and  authority,  which  the  Jews 
expected  would  be  exerted  by  the  Deliverer  of  Israel. 
One  of  these  impostors  was  Dositheus,  who  affirmed 
that  he  was  the  Christ  foretold  by  Moses,  and  of  whom 
Origen  testifies,  that  '*  he  did  prodigious  things  ;'* 
and  Simon  Magus,  who  averred,  that  he  appeared 
among  the  Jews  as  the  Son  of  God,  is  said  by  the  sa- 
cred historian,  to  have  *^  bewitched  the  Samaritans 
*'  with  his  sorceries,  that  they  all  believed  on  him." 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  Ill 

False  prophets  were  such  as  promised  or  foretold 
events  that  were  not  to  liappen.  Of  these,  Josephus 
speaks  in  the  following  manner. 

"  *  During  the  time  that  Cuspius  Fadus  held  the 
"  government  of  Judea,  a  pretended  prophet,  named 
*'  Theudas,  persuaded  a  great  numljer  of  people  to 
"  take  their  most  valuable  effects,  and  follow  him  to 
"  Jordan  ;  promising,  that  by  a  single  word,  he  would 
"  cause  the  waters  to  divide,  and  afford  them  a  dry 
"  passage  to  the  opposite  shore.  He  was  followed 
"  by  a  great  multitude  ;  but  they  had  sufficient  rea- 
"  son  to  repent  their  folly  ;  for  Fadus  sent  against 
*'  them  a  troop  of  cavalry,  by  whom  many  were  slain, 
*'  and  others  made  prisoners.  The  soldiers  return- 
"  ed  to  Jerusalem  ;  and  the  head  of  the  impostor 
"  was  exposed  as  a  public  spectacle. 

*'  The  people  sustained  great  mischiefs  from  the 
*'  impositions  of  pretended  magicians  and  other  im- 
*'  posters,  who  seduced  the  populace  to  follow  them 
"  into  solitudes  and  deserts,  under  pretence  of  shew- 
'*  ing  them  miracles  :  but  they  had  cause  severely  to 
*'  regret  their  credulity  and  folly  ;  for  Felix  caused 
*'  a  great  number  of  them  to  be  taken  into  custody, 
*'  and  put  to  death.  A  man  came  from  Egypt  at 
"  this  time,  and  pretending  to  possess  the  gift  of 
*'  prophecy,  invited  the  people  of  Jerusalem  to  fol- 
*' low  him  to  the  summit  of  mount  Olivet,  situated 
*'  at  about  the  distance  of  five  furlongs  from  Jerusa- 
*•  lem  ;  promising,  that  upon  his  pronouncing  cer- 
'*  tain  words,  they  should  see  the  walls  fall  to  the 
'*  earth,  affording  them  a  free  passage  into  the  city. 
"  When  Felix  received  intelligence  of  what  the  im- 
*'  postor  had   proposed,  he   ordered  his  troops   un- 

*  See  Josephus,  translated  by  the  authors  of  this  work.  Vol.  If.  p. 
97»  104.  572> J73- 


142  THE    HISTORY    OF 

•'  der  arms,  and,  with  a  numerous  body  of  horse 
*'  and  foot,  he  presently  attacked  the  multitude  by 
*^  surprise,  putting  four  hundred  to  death,  and  mak- 
*'  ing  prisoners  of  two  hundred  ;  but,  notvvithstand- 
"  ing  the  most  vigilant  search  was  made,  the  Egyp- 
"  tian  impostor  escaped. 

*'  The  whole  country  of  Cyrene  now  felt  the  ill 
**  effects  of  the  singular  insolence  of  the  Sicarii,  of 
'*  which  the  following  is  a  striking  instance.  An 
*'  enthusiastic  weaver,-  named  Jonathan,  a  man  of 
"  equal  wickedness  and  cunning,  made  his  escape 
"  into  that  country.  This  man  enticed  great  num- 
*'  bers  of  weak  and  credulous  people  to  follow  him 
"  into  the  woods  and  deserts,  pretending  that  he 
*'  would  shew  them  visions  and  wonderful  prodi- 
"  gies  ;  and  many  of  the  vulgar  gave  credit  to  the 
"  imposition  :  but  several  of  the  most  eminent  Jews 
"  of  Cyrene  hearing  of  the  affair,  traced  it  to  its 
"  source,  and  having  learnt  what  rout  the  deluded 
"  people  had  taken,  and  the  real  state  of  the  case, 
"  they  sent  immediate  intelligence  thereof  to  Catul- 
*'  lus,  governor  of  the  Pentapolitan  Lybia.  Hereup- 
"  on  the  governor  dispatched  a  body  of  cavalry  and 
*'  infantry,  who  intercepted  them,  and,  as  they  were 
*'  unarmed,  made  an  easy  conquest  of  them.  Most 
"  of  them  were  taken  prisoners,  and  conveyed  to  Ca- 
"  tullus ;  but  considerable  numbers  were  killed  on 
"  the  spot. 

*'  However,  Jonathan,  the  seducer  of  these  un- 
*'  happy  people,  effected  his  escape.  Diligent  search 
"  being  made  after  him  for  a  considerable  time,  he 
"  was  at  length  apprehended,  and  sent  prisoner  to 
"  Catullus  :  but  he  found  a  method  of  ingratiating 
"  himself  with  the  governor,  and  while  he  diverted 
*'  the  storm  from  falling  on  his  own  head,  furnished 
'*  the  other  with  a  pretence  to  direct  it  another  way. 


OUK    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  143 

"  This  was  to  charge  the  richest  Jews  of  the  place 
*'  with  being  the  contrivers  and  promoters  of  the  plot. 
*•  Catulkis  was  charmed  with  this  scheme,  however 
'*  ill  founded,  and  reflected  on  it  till  he  had  in  a  man- 
^'  ner  declared  war  against  the  Jews  in  his  own  mind. 
"  What  aggravated  the  wickedness  of  this  avaricious 
"  governor  was,  that  he  not  only  pretended  to  believe 
"  the  calumny,  against  the  convictions  of  reason  and 
'*  common  sense,  but  likewise  excited  the  Sicarii  to 
"  join  their  endeavors  for  effecting  the  ruin  of  the 
*'  innocent  people.  There  was  one  Alexander,  a 
"  Jew,  to  whom  Catullus  had  long  been  a  determined 
'*  enemy ;  and  having  instructed  false  witnessdPto 
"  accuse  this  man,  and  his  wife  Berenice,  they  were 
**  put  to  death.  These  were  the  first  sufferers  by 
"  this  scheme  of  iniquity  :  but  soon  afterwards  no 
*•  less  than  three  thousand  persons  shared  a  simi- 
*'  lar  fate,  at  onetime,  through  the  base  arts  of  per- 
"jury;  all  their  crime  being,  that  they  were  men 
"  of  character  and  fortune.  Catullus  left  their  es- 
*'  tates  as  a  forfeit  to  the  empire,  which  he  thought 
*'  would  secure,  if  not  justify  him,  in  appropriating 
**  their  ready   money  to  his  own  use. 

*'  Catullus,  being  now  apprehensive  that  the  capital 
*'  Jews  in  other  parts  might  detect  and  reveal  the  vile 
*'  plot  of  which  he  had  been  guilty,  instructed  Jona- 
"  than,  and  some  other  prisoners,  to  exhibit  articles 
"  of  complaint  against  such  of  the  Jews  of  Rome  and 
"  Alexandria,  as  were  most  distinguished  for  their 
"  unblemished  reputation.  Among  the  persons  thus 
"  accused,  was  Joseph,  the  writer  of  this  history. 
"  Catullus  now  repaired  to  Rome,  taking  with  him, 
"  in  chains,  Jonathan  and  the  rest  of  his  prisoners. 
"  He  entertained  no  doubt  but  that  all  enquiry  was  at 
"  an  end,  and  that  every  thing  he  had  asserted  would 
"  obtain  full  credit :  but  the  event  of  the  affair  prov- 
"  ed  that  his  contrivance  had  not  succeeded  as  he 


144  THE    HISTOKY    OF 

**  could  have  wished  :  for  Vespasian,  entertaining 
*'  great  suspicion,  enquired  diligently  into  the  cir- 
*'  cumstances  of  the  case,  in  which  he  was  assisted  by 
*'  Titus,  who  advised  him  to  declare  the  innocence  of 
**  Joseph  and  the  other  persons  accused.  This  was 
*'  accordingly  done,  and  they  were  set  at  liberty, 
**  while  orders  v\^ere  given  that  Jonathan  should  be 
**  whipped,  and  then  burnt  alive  ;  and  this  sentence 
'*  was  executed  in  its  utmost  rigor." 

Other  signs  also  predicted  by  our  Saviour,  were 
famines,  earthquakes,  pestilences,  tumults,  fearful 
si^ts,  and  great  signs  from  heaven  :  and  all  these 
prophecies  were  punctually  accomplished.  Accord- 
ing to  Eusebius,  the  whole  Roman  empire,  but  par- 
ticularly Palestine,  was  dreadfully  oppressed  by  fa- 
mine, to  which,  vast  numbers  of  people  fell  sacrifices. 
Grotius  mentions  several  earthquakes  during  the 
reigns  of  Claudius  and  Nero,  at  Crete,  Smyrna,  Mi- 
letus, Chios,  Samos,  Laodicea,  Hierapolis,  and  Co- 
loss,  all  which  places  were  inhabited  by  the  Jews. 
Josephus  says,  that  in  his  time,  dreadful  thunderings 
and  lightnings,  and  vast  convulsions  of  the  earth, 
portended  evil  to  the  Jewish  nation  ;  and  he  adds,  that 
a  sn^ord  hung  over  the  city,  or  a  comet  pointed  down 
upon  it  for  the  space  of  a  year  ;  which,  he  says, 
plainly  indicated,  that  the  Jewish  nation  would  be  put 
to  the  sword  ;  and  that  at  the  ninth  hour  of  the  night, 
during  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread,  a  light  shone 
upon  the  temple  equal  to  that  of  noon-day  ;  that  the 
principal  gate  of  the  temple,  which  could  scarcely  be 
turned  upon  its  hinges  by  the  united  strength  of 
twenty  men,  and  which  was  secured  with  iron  bolts 
and  bars,  w'as  seen  to  open  without  the  assistance  of 
any  human  force  ;  that  before  the  decline  of  the  sun, 
armies  in  battle  array  were  seen  in  the  clouds  ;  and 
that  at  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  when  the  priests  went 
into  the  temple,  in  order  to  discharge  the  duties  of 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  145 

their  office,  tliey  heard  an  uncommon  noise,  and  af- 
terwards a  voice  pronounce,  "  Let  us  depart." 

Tacitus,  the  famous  Roman  historian,  thus  enume- 
rates the  signs  which  preceded  the  destruction  of  Je- 
rusalem. Armies  seemed  to  meet  in  the  clouds, 
weapons  were  there  seen  glittering,  the  temple  seem- 
ed to  be  in  a  flame,  with  fire  issuing  from  the  clouds, 
and  a  divine  voice  was  heard,  signifying  that  the  De- 
ity was  quitting  the  place. 

Thus  it  appears  from  indisputable  testimony,  that 
the  predictions  of  our  Saviour  concerning  the  signs 
that  would  precede  the  desolation  that  awaited  the 
Jewish  nation,  were  fully  accomplished  ;  and  pursu- 
ing his  discourse  on  this  subject,  Josephus  *  writes 
in  the  following  manner.  "  But  the  most  extraordi- 
"  nary  story  of  the  whole  still  remains  unrelated. — 
**  About  four  years  before  the  commencement  of  the 
*'  war,  and  while  the  city  appeared  to  be  in  the  most 
"  perfect  peace  and  unbounded  plenty,  there  came  to 
"  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  which  is  annually  cele- 
^'  brated  to  the  honor  of  God,  a  simple  countryman, 
"  named  Jesus,  who  was  the  son  of  Ananus,  and  who, 
"■  without  any  previous  intimation,  exclaimed  in  the 
*'  following  manner  :  ^  A  voice  from  the  east ;  a  voice 
'  from  the  west ;  a  voice  from  the  four  quarters  of  the 

*  world  ;  a  voice  to  Jerusalem,   and  a  voice  to  the 

*  temple  ;  a  voice  to  men  and  women  newly  married, 
'  and  a  voice  to  the  nation  at  large.'  '^  In  this  man- 
*^  ner  did  he  continue  his  exclamations  night  and  day, 
"  and  in  various  places  through  all  the  streets  in  the 
''  city.  Some  persons  of  eminence  in  the  government 
'^  were  so  offended  at  the  freedom  of  the  ill-omened 
"  exclamation,  that  they  directed  that  the  man  should 

*  See  Josephus,  translated  by  Tliompcon  and  Price,  Vol.  II.  p. 
524,  525. 

VOL.     II.  T 


146  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  be  apprehended  and  whipped  severely.  He  bore 
*'  his  sufferings,  not  only  without  complaint  of  the 
*'  injustice  of  them,  but  without  saying  a  word  in  his 
'*  defence  :  but  his  punishment  was  no  sooner  ended, 
"  than  he  proceeded  as  before,  ^\  ilh  his  denouncing 
"  exclamations.  By  this  time  the  magistrates  were 
*'  suspicious  (and  indeed  not  without  reason)  that 
**  what  he  had  said,  proceeded  from  the  divine  im- 
'*  pulse  of  a  superior  power  that  influenced  his  words. 
'*  Hereupon  he  was  sent  to  Albinus,  the  governor  of 
*^  Judea,  who  directed  that  he  should  be  w  hipped  with 
*'  such  severity,  that  his  bones  appeared  ;  yet  even  in 
"this  situation,  he  neither  wept  nor  supplicated; 
*'  but  in  a  voice  of  mourning,  he  repeated,  after  each 
*'  stroke,''  '  Woe,  woe,  to  Jerusalem.'  "  On  this 
**  extraordinary  conduct,  Albinus  was  induced  to  in- 
''  terrogate  him  w  ith  res])ect  to  his  character,  and  the 
*'  places  of  his  birth  and  residence,  and  what  could 
*'  induce  him  to  proceed  as  he  had  done :  but  he  re- 
*'  plied  not  to  an)'  of  these  questions  ;  whereupon 
*'  Albinus  found  himself  under  the  necessity  of  dis- 
*'  missing  him,  as  a  man  out  of  his  senses.  From 
*'  this  period,  to  the  commencement  of  the  war,  it 
"  was  not  known  that  Jesus  visited  or  spoke  to  any 
''  of  the  citizens  ;  nor  was  he  heard  to  say  any  other 
*•  words,  than  that  melancholy  sentence;"  'Woe, 
*  woe  to  Jerusalem!'  "  Those  who  daily  punished 
*'  him,  received  no  ill-language  from  him  ;  nor  did 
*'  those  who  fed  him,  receive  his  thanks:  but  his  gene- 
"  ral  speech  to  every  one,  was  an  ominous  prediction. 
**  It  was  remarked,  that  on  public  festivals,  he  was 
*'  more  vociferous  than  on  other  occasions  :  and  in 
*'  the  manner  above-mentioned,  he  continued  to  pro- 
"  ceed  for  the  space  of  seven  years  and  five  months  ; 
*'  nor  did  his  voice  or  strength  appear  to  fail  him,  till 
"  his  predictions  were  verified  by  the  siege  of  Jerusa- 
"  lem.  When  this  event  had  taken  place,  he  went, 
*'  for  the  last  time,  on  the  wall,  and  exclaimed,  in  a 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUK.  147 

"  more  powerful  voice  than  usual,''  *  Woe,  woe  to 
*  this  city,  this  temple,  and  this  people;'  "and  he 
"  concluded  his  lamentation  by  saying,"  '  Woe,  woe 
'  be  to  myself.'  "  He  had  no  sooner  spoken  these 
"  words,  than  he  was  destroyed  by  a  stone  thrown 
"  from  an  engine. 

"  From  what  has  been  above  recited,  continues  our 
"  author,  it  will  be  evident  to  mankind  in  general,  that 
"  our  destruction  arises  from  our  misconduct ;  and 
"  that  Providence,  by  the  gift  of  our  reasonable  fa- 
"  culties,  as  well  as  by  the  aids  of  prediction  and  re- 
"  velation,  has  contributed  in  an  abundant  degree,  to 
*'  the  general  good,  and  lasting  advantage  of  all  its 
'*  creatures.  Our  ruin  is  certainly  to  be  attributed  to 
"  ourselves,  w^hcn  we  refuse  to  take  warning,  after 
**  being  premonished  of  future  events.** 

Thus  have  we  the  positive  evidence  of  a  rigid  ad- 
vocate for  the  principles  of  Judaism,  that  he  was  him- 
self an  actual  witness  to  the  full  accomplishment  of 
several  of  the  predictions  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  ; 
of  whom,  with  that  candor  and  regard  to  truth,  which 
contribute  infinitely  more  than  the  finest  literary  ac- 
quirements, to  render  the  character  of  an  historian 
truly  respectable,  he  speaks  in  the  following  terms*". 
*'  About  this  period,  there  arose  to  notice  one  Jesus, 
"  a  man  of  consummate  wusdom,  if  indeed  he  may 
**  BE  DEEMED  A  MAN.  He  was  eminently  celebr.ited 
*'  for  his  power  of  working  miracles  ;  and  those  who 
*'  were  curious,  and  desirous  to  learn  the  truth.,  flock- 
"  ed  to  him  in  abundance.  He  was  followed  by  im- 
"  mense  numbers  of  people,  both  Jews  and  Gentiles. 
"  This  was  that  Christ  whom  the  princes  and  great 
*'  men  of  our  nation  accused.  He  was  delivered  up 
"  to  the  cross  by  Pontius  Pilate  ;  notwithstanding 

*  Joscphus,  translated  by  Thompson  and  Price,  Vol.  II.  p.  9. 


148  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  which,  those  who  originally  adhered  to  him,  never 
**  forsook  him.  On  the  third  day  after  his  crucifix- 
"  ion^  he  was  seen  alive^  agreeable  to  the  prediction 
"  of  se'ucral prophets.  He  wrought  a  great  number 
"  of  marvellous  acts  :  and  there  remain  even  to  this 
"  day,  a  sect  of  people  who  bear  the  name  of  Chris. 
"  tians,  and  who  acknowledge  this  Christ  for  their 
"  head." 

The  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  and  its  attendant  cir- 
cumstances, are  thus  described  by  our  Saviour. — 
"  Thine  enemies  shall  cast  a  trench  about  thee,  and 
'*  compass  thee  round,  and  keep  thee  in  on  every  side. 
*'  And  shall  lay  thee  even  with  the  ground,  and  thy 
"  children  within  thee  :  and  they  shall  not  leave  with- 
**  in  thee  one  stone  upon  another."  Luke  xix.  43,  44. 
**  Then  shall  be  great  tribulation,  such  as  was  not 
*'  since  the  beginning  of  the  world,  no,  nor  ever  shall 
''be."  Matt.  xxiv.  21.  These  prophecies  were  ful- 
filled by  Titus,  who  encompassed  the  city  with  new 
fortifications,  which  were  erected  by  his  troops  in  the 
space  of  three  days.  *'  Titus  directed  ^  his  officers 
"  immediately  to  begin  the  erection  of  the  wall,  and 
"  let  the  whole  army  take  a  share  in  the  business,  as- 
**  signing  to  each  party  its  proper  station.  These 
"  orders  were  no  sooner  issued,  than  every  soldier 
"  was  animated  with  a  uish  to  exceed  his  fellows  in 
"  this  w^ork.  The  ground  was  measured  out,  the  Ic- 
*'  gions  Vv'ere  divided,  and  every  man  was  emulous  who 
"  should  most  effectually  distinguish  himself.  The 
"  common  soldiers  copied  the  example  of  the  serje- 
"  ants ;  the  Serjeants  that  of  the  captains  ;  the  cap- 
*'  tains  that  of  the  tribunes  ;  and  the  tribunes  that 
*'  of  their  superior  officers  ;  the  whole  being  under 
"  the  direction  of  Titus,  whose  zeal  for  the  dispatch 
"  of  this  business  was  such,  that  he  was  continually 

*  See  the  work  last  quoted.  Vol.  II.  p.  488,  489. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  149 

"  takiiij^  his  rounds   to  superintend  the  whole  pro- 
*'  ceeding. 

*'  This  wall  commenced  at  a  place  called  the  Camp 
'  of  the  Assyrians,  where  Titus  himself  held  his 
'  head-quarters.  Hence  it  was  continued  to  the  low- 
'  cr  Ccenopolis  ;  carried  forward  by  the  way  of  Ce- 

*  dron  to  Mount  Olivet,  which  was  inclosed  to  the 
^  south  as  far  as  the  rock  Peristereon  ;  and  this  inclo- 
'  sure  comprehended  an  adjacent  hill,  which  com- 
'  mands  the  vale  of  Siloah.  From  this  place  it  in- 
'  clined  somewhat  to  the  west,  and  was  carried  on  to 
'  the  valley  of  the  Fountain.  Its  next  direction  was 
'  to  the  sepulchre  of  Ananus,  the  high-priest ;    after 

*  this,  it  inclosed  the  mountain  on  which  Pompey 
'  had  heretofore  encamped.     It  then  turned  to  the 

*  north,  and  was  extended  to  the  village  named  Ere- 
'  binthonicus.  It  included  the  sepulchre  of  Herod 
'  on  the  east-side ;  and  soon  afterwards  was  joined 

*  to  that  part  of  the  wall,  where  the  building  origi- 
'  nally  commenced. 

"  Nine  and  thirty  furlongs  was  the  whole  extent  of 
'^  this  wall  ;  and  thirteen  forts  were  erected  on  the 
*'  outside  of  it,  ten  furlongs  being  the  compass  of 
"  each  fort.  It  is  somewhat  extraordinary,  but  not 
"  less  so  than  true,  that  this  amazing  work  was  com- 
"  plcted  in  three  days,  though  an  equal  number  of 
*'  months  might  have  been  supposed  a  reasonable  time 
"  for  it.  As  soon  as  it  was  finished,  garrisons  w^ere 
"  placed  in  all  the  forts,  who  did  duty  under  arms 
"  every  night.  On  each  night  likewise,  Titus  went 
"  the  first  round  in  person  ;  Tiberius  Alexander  the 
"  second  ;  and  the  officers  who  commanded  the  legi- 
**  ons  the  third.  Some  persons  were  constantly  on 
"  guard  in  the  forts  during  the  whole  night ;  but  some 
'*  of  the  soldiers  were  allowed  to  rest  alternately, 
*'  with  others  who  were  appointed  to  watch. 


150  THE  HISTORY    OF 

**  The  above  mentioned  inclosure  of  the  Jews  within 
"  the  town,  reduced  them  to  the  last  degree  of  despair ; 
"  for  by  this  time  the  famine  had  increased  to  such  a 
"  height,  that  whole  families  fell  a  sacrifice  to  its  rage. 
"  The  dead  bodies  of  women  and  children  were  seen 
*'  in  every  house  ;  the  old  men  were  found  dead  in  all 
"  the  narrow  lanes  of  the  city,  while  the  younger  men, 
"  who  were  yet  able  to  walk,  appeared  like  ghosts  pa- 
"  rading  the  streets.  It  became  impossible  to  commit 
"  the  bodies  of  the  dead  to  the  ground.  Many  of  the 
*'  living  were  unable  to  perform  this  charitable  office  ; 
**  while  others  were  unwilling  to  undertake  it,  partly 
"  discouraged  by  the  numbers  of  the  deceased,  and 
**  partly  by  the  reflection,  that  themselves  would  not 
*'  survive  any  considerable  time.  Numbers  of  them 
**  expired,  even  while  they  were  burying  their  fel- 
"•  low-citizens  ;  and  some,  prompted  by  despair, 
"  sought  their  own  graves. 

"  Yet  miserably  distressful  as  the  present  situation 
*'  of  these  wretched  people  was,  not  a  single  com- 
"  plaint  or  lamentation  was  heard  ;  for  the  pangs  of 
**  excessive  hunger,  absorbed  every  other  passion. 
**  Those  who  last  expired,  beheld  those  who  had 
**  gone  before  them  with  unweeping  eyes,  and  looks 
*'  marked  with  the  near  approach  of  death.  The 
"  most  profound  silence  reigned  through  every 
*'  part  of  the  city  ;  and  during  the  course  of  the 
*'  night,  heaps  of  dead  bodies  were  frequently  pil- 
"  ed  on  each  other. 

"  Yet  a  more  melancholy  part  of  the  story  (if  more 
*'  melancholy  can  be)  still  remains  untold.  This  arose 
"  from  the  brutal  insolence  of  a  number  of  thieves, 
"  who  broke  into  the  houses,  that  at  this  time  ap. 
*'"peared  only  like  charnel-houses,  and  having  strip. 
"  ped  the  bodies  of  the  dead,  they  derided  their  si- 
"  tuation  :  exclusive  of  which,  they  ran  their  swords 


OUR    KLESSED    SAVIOUR.  151 

*'  into  the  bodies  of  those  who  lay  expiring.  When 
*'  any  despairing  wretch  called  for  some  friendly  hand 
*'  to  dispatch  him  by  a  sword,  that  he  might  no  lon- 
"  ger  endure  the  miseries  of  famine,  this  earnest 
"  request  w.is  constantly  refused  with  the  most  un- 
"  feeling  barbarity.  When  any  of  the  unfortunate 
'*  reached  \ht  moment  of  death,  they  turned  their  fa- 
*'  ces  to  the  temple,  and  thus  closed  their  eyes  ; 
*'  lamenting  at  the  same  time,  that  the  vile  incen- 
"  diaries  who  had  profaned  the  holy  place,  should 
*'  be  yet  left  among  the  living.  When  the  offensive 
"  smells  arising  from  the  corruption  of  the  dead  bo- 
"  dies,  became  insupportable,  an  order  was  given 
*'  that  all  of  them  should  be  buried  at  the  public  ex- 
*'  pence :  the  abandoned  incendiaries  threw  them 
"  from  the  walls  into  the  vallies ;  a  sight  that  occasi- 
"  oned  so  much  horror  to  Titus,  that  while  he  was 
"  going  his  rounds,  and  found  the  ditches  infested 
'*  with  dead  bodies,  and  pestilential  vapors  arising 
"  from  them,  he  extended  his  hands  towards  heaven, 
*'  and  made  a  solemn  appeal  to  God,  that  these  mis- 
"  fortunes  arose  not  from  any  orders  he  had  given. 
''  At  the  period,  of  which  I  am  writing,  this  was 
"  the  unfortunate   situation  of  the  city. 

**  The  insurgents  were  now  so  pent  up  within  the 
*'  walls,  that  they  found  it  impossible  for  any  of  them 
"  to  quit  the  place.  In  the  mean  time,  they  endur- 
"  ed  all  the  pangs  of  famine,  aggravated  by  the  tor- 
^'  tures  of  despair ;  while  on  the  contrary,  the  Ro- 
"  mans  lived  at  their  case,  and  passed  their  time  ve- 
"  ry  agreeably,  being  supplied  with  the  necessaries 
"  of  life  from  Syria  and  the  adjacent  provinces.  En- 
'*  couraged  by  their  better  fortune,  many  of  the  Ro- 
*'  mans  advanced  to  the  walls,  and  made  an  osten- 
"  tatious  display  of  their  possessions,  with  a  view 
"  to  reflect  on  the  necessities  of  those  who  were  in 
"  circumstances  of  distress.     All  this   appeared  to 


152  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  have  no  effect  on  the  unfeeling  minds  of  the  se-* 
"  dicious  multitude  :  whereupon,  Titus,  in  mere 
*'  compassion  to  the  residue  of  an  unhappy  people, 
*'  determined  on  the  immediate  erection  of  new  works, 
"  and  resolved  that  no  time  should  be  lost  in  their 
*'  completion.  One  considerable  difficulty,  indeed, 
"  now  occurred,  which  was  the  providing  proper 
*'  materials  for  carrying  these  works  into  execution  ; 
"  for  all  the  wood  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city 
*'  had  been  cut  down,  for  the  erection  of  the  former 
"works:  wherefore  they  were  under  the  necessity 
"  of  fetching  all  the  timber  for  this  second  supply, 
*'  from  a  place  at  the  distance  of  ninety  furlongs  : 
**  and  herewith  four  ramparts,  of  greater  magnitude 
*'  than  the  former,  were  erected  at  the  fortress  of  An- 
*^  tonia.  Titus  carried  on  this  business  with  great 
*•■  assiduity  ;  and  the  besieged  being  now  at  his  mer- 
*'  cy,  he  plainly  hinted  to  them,  that  he  knew  their  si- 
"  tuation.  Still,  however,  they  shewed  no  concern 
"  for  what  had  happened  :  they  seemed  to  have  no 
*'  regard  for  themselves,  or  each  other.  Those  who 
**  were  decaying  with  sickness,  they  confined  in  pri- 
*'  sons,  and  tore  the  dead  to  pieces  as  dogs  would  have 
"  done." 

The  Jewish  historian  further  *  informs  us,  that 
immediately  after  the  conquest  of  the  city  of  Jerusa- 
lem It  was  entirely  levelled  with  the  ground  ;  and  that 
during  the  war,  *'  No  f  less  than  ninety-seven  thou- 
'*  sand  persons  were  made  prisoners ;  and  the  num- 
"  ber  of  those  who  lost  their  lives  during  its  progress, 
**  was  eleven  hundred  thousand.  Of  these  far  the 
*'  greater  part  were  Jews  though  not  born  in  Judea." 
To  account  for  this  amazing  resort  of  people  to  the  city 
of  Jerusalem  it  is  necessary  to  observe,  that  they  had 


*  Vol.11,  p.  538.  t  Vol.11,  p.  557- 


OUll    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  153 

assembled  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  in  order  to 
celebrate  the  passover. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  predicted  the  destruction  of 
the  temple  in  the  foUovvinj^  manner.  "  Verily  I  say 
""  unto  you,  There  shall  not  be  left  here  one  stone  up- 
♦'  on  another,  that  shall  not  be  thrown  down."  Matt. 
xxiv.  2.  And  in  addition  to  what  we  learn  from 
Josephus,  Maimonides,  another  Jewish  writer,  says, 
Turnus  Rufus  dug  up  the  very  ground  on  which  the 
temple  stood  with  plough-shares.  This  was  a  remark- 
able completion  of  the  following  prophecy.  "  There- 
"  fore  shall  Zion  for  your  sakes  be  ploughed  as  a  field, 
*'  and  Jerusalem  shall  become  heaps,  and  the  moun- 
"  tain  of  the  house  as  the  high  places  of  the  forest." 
Mic.  iii.  12.  It  is  also  remarkable,  that  the  confla- 
gration of  the  temple  happened  on  the  same  day  of 
the  same  month,  on  which  it  had  been  before  burnt 
by  the  Babylonians. 

The  general  judgments  that  were  to  befal  the  Jew- 
ish nation,  are  thus  mentioned  by  our  Saviour.  **  For 
*'  these  be  the  days  of  vengeance,  that  all  things  which 
"  are  written  may  be  fulfilled.  But  woe  unto  them 
'*  that  are  with  child,  and  to  them  that  give  suck  in 
"  those  days  :  for  there  shall  be  great  distress  in  the 
"  land,  and  wrath  upon  this  people.  And  they  shall 
"  fall  by  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  shall  be  led  away 
*'  captive  into  all  nations  :  and  Jerusalem  shall  be 
''  trodden  down  of  the  Gentiles,  until  the  times  of  the 
"■  Gentiles  be  fulfilled."  Luke  xxi.  22,  23,  24. — 
According  to  these  predictions,  they  were  cut  off  in 
war,  to  the  number  of  upwards  of  two  hundred  thou- 
sand, in  divers  sieges  and  battles,  and  in  different 
towns,  and  various  parts  of  the  country,  exclusive  of 
the  dreadful  carnage  at  the  final  destruction  of  Jeru- 

VOL.    II.  u 


154  THE    HISTORY    Ol- 

salem.  After  mentioning  the  conquest  of  Jcrusa- 
lenn,  Josephus  says|,  ''  There  is  scarcely  a  habita- 
*'  olc  part  of  the  globe,  in  which  some  of  the  Jewish 
"  people  are  not  dispersed  ;"  and  from  the  same  wri- 
ter we  learn  *,  that  '*  Those  who  appeared  to  be  in 
**  full  health,  and  fit  for  service,  were  imprisoned  in 
**  the  temple,  in  that  quarter  heretofore  destined  to 
*'  the  use  of  the  women.  Fronto,  one  of  the  freed- 
*•  men  and  friends  of  Titus,  was  deputed  to  enquire 
*'  into  the  cases  of  the  prisoners,  and  to  treat  them  ac- 
**  cording  to  their  deserts.  The  abandoned,  the  sedi- 
*'  tious,  and  those  who  mutually  charged  each  other 
*'  uith  crimes,  were  put  to  death  without  mercy  :  but 
*'  Titus  rc!>erved  the  young  and  healthy,  particularly 
*'  those  of  a  comely  appearance,  to  grace  his  triumph 
"  on  his  entrance  into  Rome.  All  those  who  remain- 
*'  ed  after  this  selection,  and  were  above  seventeen 
"  years  of  age,  were  sent  in  chains  into  Egypt,  to  be 
*'  employed  as  slaves  ;  and  those  v,ho  were  under  se- 
*'  venteen,  sent  into  the  various  provinces  of  the  cm- 
'*  pire,  to  be  engaged  as  gladiators  in  the  several  the- 
"  atres.  In  the  interim,  no  less  than  eleven  thousand 
*'  of  the  prisoners  who  were  under  the  care  of  Fron- 
*'  to,  were  starved  to  death  ;  partly  owing  to  their 
*'  own  obstinacy  in  the  refusal  of  provisions,  and  part- 
**  ly  to  the  severity  of  their  overseers,  who  neglected 
*'  to  supply  them  in  a  proper  manner  :  but  one  great 
**  cause  which  aggravated  this  calamity,  was  the  want 
*'  of  sufficient  provisions  for  such  an  immense  nom- 
**  ber,"  From  this  period,  the  Jews  have  been  a  dis- 
persed and  scattered  people  throughout  all  the  nations 
of  the  earth,  having  neither  country,  nor  government 
of  their  own. 

That  the  predictions  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  when 
accomplished,  were  intended  by  him,  to  be  proofs  of 

*  Vol.  il.  p.  543.  *  Vol.  II.  p.   536. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  155 

his  being  the  real  Messiah,  we  may  collect  from  his 
own  words.  Havin*  informed  his  disciples  that  he 
should  be  betrayed  by  Judas,  our  Saviour  soon  after 
adtls,  *'  Now  1  tell  you  before  it  come,  that  when  it  is 
**  come  to  pass,  ye  may  believe  that  I  am  He."  And 
after  the  predictions  of  his  death,  resur.eriion,  and 
ascension,  he  says,  "  And  now  I  have  told  you  before 
'*  it  come  to  pass,  that  when  it  is  come  to  pass,  ye 
*'  might  believe."  John  xiv.  29.  Thus  our  Lord 
intimated,  that  by  being  witnesses  to  the  accomplish- 
ment of  his  prophecies,  they  might  be  convinced  of 
the  truth  of  his  gospel,  and  of  the  necessity  of  repos- 
ing faith  on  him ;  and  to  the  same  purpose,  are  the 
words  subjoined  to  our  Lord's  account  of  the  perse- 
cutions that  his  disciples  were  to  encounter  after  his 
decease.  "  These  things  I  have  told  you,  that  when 
*'  the  time  shall  come,  ye  may  remember  that  1  told 
**  you  of  them."  John  xxi.  4. 

"  He  that  endures  to  the  end,  says  our  blessed  Sa- 
"  viour,  shall  be  saved."  Agreeably  to  this,  Eusc- 
bius  informs  us,  thatf  '*  before  the  commencement  of 
*'  the  war,  all  the  (iiithful  of  the  church  of  Jerusalem 
"  were  warned  by  a  divine  revelation  to  abandon  that 
•*  city,  and  to  retire  to  a  place  called  Pella,  situated 
**  beyond  the  river  Jordan." 

The  '*  abomination  of  desolation,"  quoted  by  our 
blessed  Saviour  from  the  prophet  Daniel,  was  meant 
to  signify  the  Roman  army  ;  which  might  very  pro- 
perly be  stiled  an  abomination  to  the  Jews,  since 
among  the  ensigns  of  the  Roman  soldiery  were  the 
images  of  Casar,  and  of  the  eagle  ;  and  this  army 
might  be  termed  a  desolation,  because  it  was  to  lay 
the  temple,  the  city,  and  the  whole  counuy  deso- 
late. 

t  Euscb.  liist.  Ecclcf.  1.  iii.  c.  $, 


156  THE    HISTOUY    OF 

''  There  shall  then,  says  Jesus,  be  great  tribula- 
"  tion,  such  as  never  was  known  from  the  beginning 
"of  the  world."  In  confirmation  of  this,  Josephus, 
and  many  other  Jewish  writers,  assure  us,  that  the 
calamities  to  which  the  Jews  were  reduced,  were  more 
grievous  than  those  sustained  by  any  other  people 
from  the  time  of  the  creation. 

"  Immediately  after  the  tribulation  of  those  days, 
'•^  the  sun  shall  be  darkened,  and  the  moon  shall  not 
*'  give  her  light."  Nothing  of  this  kind  has  lite- 
rally occurred  ;  and  therefore  the  expression  is  to 
be  received  figuratively,  being  intended  to  signify, 
agreeably  to  divers  instances  in  the  Old  Testament, 
an  utter  desolation  of  cities  and  countries.  In  this 
hmguagc,  the  prophet  Isaiah  mentions  the  destruc- 
tion of  Babylon.  "  Behold,  the  day  of  the  Lord 
*'  Cometh,  cruel  both  with  wrath,  and  fierce  anger,  to 
"  lay  the  land  desolate  ;  and  he  shall  destroy  the 
*'  sinners  thereof  out  of  it.  For  the  stars  of  heaven, 
"  and  the  constellations  thereof  shall  not  give  their 
*'  light  :  the  sun  shall  be  darkened  in  his  going  forth, 
*'  and  the  moon  shall  not  cause  her  light  to  shine." 
Isa.  xiii.  9,  10.  The  indignation  of  the  Almighty 
against  the  Idumeans,  the  destruction  of  Sennache- 
rib and  his  people,  and  the  ruin  of  Egypt,  are  expres- 
sed in  the  following  dreadful  words.  "  Come  near, 
"  y€  nations  to  hear,  and  hearken  yc  people  :  let  the 
"  earth  hear,  and  all  that  is  therein,  the  world,  and 
*'  all  things  that  come  forth  of  it.  For  the  indignation 
*'  of  the  Lord  is  upon  all  nations,  and  his  fury  upon 
"  all  their  armies  :  he  hath  utterly  destroyed  them, 
*'  he  hath  delivered  them  to  the  slaughter.  Their 
*'  slain  also  shall  be  cast  out,  and  their  stink  shall 
*'  come  up  out  of  their  carcases,  and  the  mountains 
*'  shall  be  melted  with  their  blood.  And  all  the 
"  host  of  heaven  shall  be  dissolved,  and  the  heavens 
"  shall  be  rolled  together  as  a  scroll :  and  all  their 


OUK    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  157 

"  host  shall  fall  clown  as  the  leaf  falleth  off  from  the 

*'  vine,  and  as  a  falling  fig  from  the  fig-tree.     For  my 

"  sword  shall  be  bathed  in  heaven  :    behold,  it  shall 

**  come  down  upon  Idiimea,  and  upon  the  people  of 

**  my  curse  to  judgment.     The  sword  of  the  Lord  is 

«'  filled  with    blood,  it  is  made  fat  with  fatness,  and 

**  with  the  blood  of  lambs  and  goats,  with  the  fat  of 

"  the  kidnies  of  rams  :   for   the  Lord  hath  a  sacrifice 

*'  in  Bozra,  and  a  great  slaughter  in  the  land  of  Idu- 

**  mea.     And  the    unicorns   shall   come  down   with 

"  them,  and  the  bullocks   with  the  bulls,  and   their 

"  land  shall   be  soaked   with  blood,    and  their    dust 

"  made  fat   with  fatness.     For  it  is  the  day   of  the 

*'  Lord's  vengeance,  and  the  year  of  recompences  for 

"  the  controversy  of  Zion.     And  the  streams  thereof 

*'  shall  be  turned  into  pitch,  and  the  dust  thereof  into 

*'  brimstone,  and  the  land  thereof  shall  become  burn- 

*'  ing  pitch.     It  shall  not  be  quenched    night   nor 

*'  day,   the  smoke  thereof  shall  go  up  forever:  from 

*'  generation  to    generation   it  shall    lie  waste,    none 

'*  shall  pass  through  it  for  ever  and  for  ever.     But 

"  the  cormorant  and  the    bittern  shall  possess  it,  the 

"  owl   also  and   the  raven  shall  dwell  in  it,  and  he 

*^  shall  stretch  out  upon  it  the  line  of  confusion,    and 

"  the  stones  of  emptiness.     They  shall  call  the  nobles 

"  thereof  to  the   kingdom,  but  none  shall   be  there, 

"  and  all    her  princes  shall  be  nothing.      And  thorns 

"  shall  come  up  in  her  palaces,  nettles  and  brambles 

*'  in  the  fortresses  thereof,  and  it  shall  be  an  habila- 

**  tion  of  dragons,  and   a  court  for  owls.     The  wild 

"  beasts  of   the  desert  shall  also  meet  with  the  wild 

*'  beasts  of  the  island,  and  the  satyr  shall  cry  to  his 

"  fellow,  the  screech-owl  also  shall  rest  there,  and  find 

"  for  herself  a  place  of  rest.     There  shall  the  great 

•'  owl  make  her  nest,  and  lay  and  hatch,  and  gather 

"  under  her  shadow  :  there  shall  the  vultures  also  be 

"  gathered,  every  one  with  her  mate.     Seek  ye  out 

'*  of  the  book  of  the  Lord,  and  read  ;  no  one  of  these 


158  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  shall  fail,  none  shall  want  her  mate  :  for  my  mouth 
*'  it  hath  commanded,  and  his  spirit  it  hath  gathered 
"  them.  And  he  hath  cast  the  lot  for  them,  and  his 
*'  hand  hath  divided  it  unto  them  by  line  :  they  shall 
"  possess  it  for  ever,  from  generation  to  generation 
**  shall  they  dwell  therein."  Isa.  xxxiv.  1,  &c.— 
There  is  a  degree  of  grandeur  and  dignity  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  above  denunciations  of  vengeance,  which 
cannot  fail  to  excite  our  admiration  and  terror  :  but 
the  curses  here  enumerated  are  figuratively  expres- 
sed, and  intended,  like  what  our  Saviour  says  of  the 
sun,  moon,  and  stars  being  darkened,  to  import  the 
utter  destruction  and  ruin  of  a  nation. 

The  phrase  of  Christ's  *'  coming  in  the  clouds,"  is 
generally  extended  no  farther  than  his  coming  with 
the  Roman  army  to  effect  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem; 
and  his  *' sending  forth  his  angels  to  gather  forth  his 
*'  elect  from  the  four  winds,"  is  referred  to  the  minis- 
try of  his  disciples,  and  their  making  converts  of  the 
inhabitants  of  all  nations,  for  the  establishment  of  the 
Christian  church. 

From  what  is  said  above,  we  trust  that  we  have  ma- 
nifestly and  incontrovertibly  proved,  the  existence  of 
the  divine  power  and  knowledge  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer. The  particulars  concerning  his  own  death, 
and  the  consequent  state  and  condition  of  his  disci- 
ples, and  of  the  Jewish  nation,  are  events  which  he 
predicted,  and  which  were  fully  accomplished,  as  we 
learn  partly  from  the  accounts  of  our  own  Scriptures, 
and  partly  from  the  testimony  of  a  Jewish  historian, 
whose  credit  and  authority  have  been  universally  ad- 
mitted through  a  long  succession  of  ages. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  159 


CHAP.  XXXV. 

Jesus  continues  to  instruct  the  people  daily  in  the  tem- 
ple. Two  days  preceding  the  passover,  he  predicts 
his  death.  Our  Samour  is  anointed  in  the  house  of 
Simon  the  leper.  Judas  Jscariot,  one  of  the  twelve 
apostles,  accepts  a  bribe  from  the  Sanhedrim,  to 
whom  he  engages  himself  to  betray  his  Master.  In 
consequence  of  their  Master's  order,  Peter  and  John 
repair  to  Jerusalem,  in  order  to  make  preparations 
for  the  passover.  Jesus  sups  with  his  disciples^ 
and  during  the  entertainment,  he  says,  that  one  of 
them  shall  betray  him.  The  institution  of  the  Eu- 
charist. Jesus  takes  a  second  cup  of  wine,  and 
commands  his  apostles  to  share  it  among  them. 
The  affection  of  our  Saviour  towards  his  apostles^ 
and  the  treachery  of  Judas.  Jesus  exhorts  his  dis- 
ciples not  to  indulge  ambitious  propensities,  and 
proposes  himself  to  them  as  an  example  of  humility. 
He  washes  the  feet  of  his  disciples  ;  and  oti  this  oc- 
casion holds  a  discourse  with  Peter.  Jesus  discours- 
es to  his  apostles  on  the  act  of  condescension  he  had 
performed-,  and  recommends  to  their  imitation  the 
example  he  had  shewn  of  humility.  Our  Saviour 
is  troubled,  and  signifies  by  ivhich  of  his  apostles 
he  shall  be  betrayed.  Judas  retires  from  the  com- 
pany ;  after  which  our  Lord  reminds  the  other  apos- 
tles of  his  miracles  ;  mentions  his  speedy  departure 
from  them  ;  and  recommends  them  to  cherish  mutual 
love.  Peter  enquires  of  his  Master,  to  what  place 
he  should  retire,  since  he  had  said  the  apostles  could 
not  follow  him.  He  forewarns  Peter,  and  predicts 
the  persecution  that  his  apostles  were  to  encounter. 
Jesus  exhorts  his  disciples  against  despondency  ; 
and  informs  them  that  by  a  strici  obedience  to  his 
gospel,  they  will  entitle  themselves  to  the  enjoyment 


160  THE    HISTORY    OF 

of  everlasting  happiness.  He  informs  them^  that, 
in  ha'uing  seen  him^  they  may  he  considered  as  hav- 
ing seen  the  Father  of  the  creation.  He  asserts 
his  divine  authority,  and  promises  to  reward  the 
faith  of  his  disciples.  He  engages  to  send  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  them.  He  promises  divine  assistance  and 
comfort  to  all  his  faithful  Jollovjers.  Our  blessed 
Redeemer  bequeaths  peace  and  comfort  to  his  disci' 
pies,  and  declares  the  time  to  be  approaching,  when 
he  shall  be  betrayed  into  the  power  of  his  enemies, 

WUR  blessed  Saviour  continued  daily  to  repair  to 
the  temple,  where  he  delivered  instructions  to  the 
people  concerning-  the  laws  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ; 
but  in  the  evening  he  constantly  retired  to  Mount 
Olivet,  or  some  place  adjacent  thereto,  lest  he  should 
be  surprised,  and  taken  into  custody  by  his  enemies; 
for  though  the  members  of  the  Sanhedrim  had  form- 
ed a  resolution  of  putting  him  to  death,  they  dared, 
not  attempt  to  apprehend  him  in  the  open  day,  while 
he  was  surrounded  by  his  numerous  followers  :  but 
had  he  reposed  within  the  city,  they  would,  in  all 
probability,  have  seized  him  during  the  darkness  and 
silence  of  night. 

Having  delivered  the  parables  recited  in  the  preced- 
ing chapter,  our  blessed  Saviour  spoke  to  his  apos- 
tles on  the  subject  of  his  approaching  death,  in  order 
to  fortify  their  minds  against  a  more  trying  scene  than 
they  had  yet  experienced.  He  observed  to  them,  that 
on  the  Tuesday  in  the  passion  week  the  passover 
would  be  celebrated  ;  adding,  that  on  that  day  he 
should  be  delivered  into  the  power  of  his  enemies, 
who  would  put  him  to  death  by  crucifixion.  *'  And 
"  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  finished  these  say- 
*'  ings,  he  said  unto  his  disciples,  Ye  know,  that  af- 
**  ter  two  days  is  the  feast  of  the  passover,   and  the 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  l6l 

"  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  to  be  crucified."   Matt, 
xxvi.  1,  2. 

A  great  number  of  the  members  of  the  Sanhedrim 
had  held  frequent  consultations  at  the  house  of  Caia- 
phas  the  high-priest,  where  many  stratagems  were 
projected  for  apprehending  Jesus,  and  putting  him  to 
death  :  but  IcMowing  the  high  veneration  in  which  he 
was  held  by  the  multitude,  they  deemed  it  not  pru- 
dent to  attempt  the  execution  of  their  barbarous  and 
sacrilegious  purpose  during  the  *  holidays,  lest  a  po- 
pular tumult  should  be  fomented,  and  they  should  ex- 
pose themselves  to  the  censure  of  the  Roman  govern- 
or ;  for  they  knew  that  a  great  part  of  the  people  es- 
teemed Jesus  to  be  a  prophet  acting  under  the  imme- 
diate authority,  and  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Al- 
mighty ;  and  therefore  they  supposed  that  they  would 
rescue  him,  even  though  he  should  be  apprehended 
by  virtue  of  an  express  and  formal  order  issued  by 
the  grand  council  of  the  nation.  '*  Then  assembled 
"  together  the  chief-priests,  and  the  Scribes  and  the 
"  elders  of  the  people,  unto  the  palace  of  the  high- 
**  priest,  who  was  called  Caiaphas,  and  consulted  that 
**  they  might  take  Jesus  by  subtilty,  and  kill  him- — 
"  But  they  said.  Not  on  the  feast-day,  lest  there  be  an 
*'  uproar  among  the  people."  Matt.  xxvi.  3,  4,  5, 

Upon  the  approach  of  the  evening,  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour departed  from  Jerusalem,  and  retiring  to  the 
town  of  Bethany,  entered  the  house  Simon  surnam- 
cd  the  Leper,  probably  in    consequence  of  his  hav- 

*  Maimonides  says,  the  Jews  were  accustomed  to  punish  notoriouf 
offenders  during  the  time  of  one  of  the  three  grand  festivals, on  account 
of  the  vast  concourse  of  people  who  on  those  occasions  assembled  in  Je- 
rusalem. They  meant  to  treat  our  Saviour  with  the  utmost  severity, 
but  were  yet  willing  to  recede  from  this  custom,  rather  than  provoke 
the  indignation  of  the  populace.  However,  they  were  induced  by  the 
favorable  opportunity  which  the  treachery  of  Judas  afforded,  to  em- 
brace this  season  for  carrying  their  iniquitous  designs  into  execution. 
VOL.     II.  W 


162 


THE  HISTORY    OF 


ing  experienced  the  healing  power  of  the  heavenly 
Physician.  While  he  was  at  supper,  a  woman,  who 
doubtless  had  been  an  object  of  his  benevolence  and 
mercy,  entered  the  apartment,  and  from  an  alabaster- 
box,  poured  upon  the  head  of  Jesus,  some  precious 
ointment  of  the  genuine  spikenard  ;  and  perceiving 
that  the  ointment  did  not  flow  freely,  she  f  broke,  or 
shook  the  box,  and  poured  the  whole  upon  the  head 
of  Jesus.  Some  of  the  persons  present,  knowing  that 
Jesus  was  averse  to  luxurious  indulgences,  censured 
the  woman  for  her  extravagant  waste  of  the  ointment, 
saying,  that  it  might  have  been  sold  for  three  hun- 
dred J  denarii,  which  sum  would  have  been  suffici- 
ent to  relieve  the  necessities  of  many  indigent  per- 
sons. 

To  reprove  his  disciples  for  having  censured  the  wo- 
nian  on  account  of  the  manner  in  which  she  had  ma- 
nifested her  zeal  for  him,  our  blessed  Saviour  observ- 
ed to  them,  that  the  divine  Providence  had  been  pleas- 
ed to  order  that  there  should  always  be  persons  in 
necessitous  circumstances,  and  therefore  the  virtuous 
would  be  able  to  find  continual  opportunities  for  the 
exercise  of  their  charity  and  benevolence  ;  adding, 
that  those  who  longer  omitted  to  manifest  their  love 
towards  him  would  be  denied  the  privilege  of  testi- 
fying their  zeal  for  his  gospel  and  aifection  for  his  per- 
son, for  his  ministry  was  drawing  towards  a  conclu- 
sion ;  upon  the  arrival  of  which,  the  king  of  terrors 
would  enjoy  a  short  triumph  over  his  body.  The 
woman,  said  our  Lord,  who  has  incurred  your  re- 
proaches, has  be4iaved  towards  me  with  the  highest 
degree  of  respect  that  it  was  in  her  power  to  bestow  : 
nor  could  she  perform  a  more  proper  or  seasonable 

•f  The  original  word  is  of  doubtful  signification. 

+  A  denarius  was  equal  to  about  seven-pence  half-penny  of  English 
money. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  l63 

action  than  that  of  anointing  my  body,  which,  in  a 
few  days  will  be  consigned  to  the  dreary  mansions  of 
the  grave  :  and  I  predict  to  you,  that  wherever  my 
gospel  shall  be  preached,  the  conduct  of  this  woman 
shall  be  celebrated,  and  her  fame  shall  be  transmit- 
ted to  the  latest  posterity.  "  Now  when  Jesus  was 
*'  in  Bethany,  in  the  house  of  Simon  the  leper,  there 
"  came  unto  him  a  women  having  an  alabaster-box 
"  of  very  precious  ointment,  and  poured  it  on  his 
*'  head,  as  he  sat  at  meat.  But  when  his  disciples 
*'  saw  it,  they  had  indignation,  saying.  To  what  pur- 
*'  pose  is  this  waste  ?  For  this  ointment  might  have 
'*  been  sold  for  much,  and  given  to  the  poor.  When 
'*  Jesus  understood  it,  he  said  unto  them.  Why  trou- 
"  ble  ye  the  woman  ?  for  she  hath  wrought  a  good 
*'  work  upon  me.  For  ye  have  the  poor  always  with 
'*  you,  but  me  ye  have  not  always.  For  in  that  she 
"  hath  poured  this  ointment  on  my  body,  she  did  it 
*'  for  my  burial.  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Wheresoever 
*'  this  gospel  shall  be  preached  in  the  whole  world, 
"  there  shall  also  this,  that  this  woman  hath  done, 
*'  be  told  for  a  memorial  of  her."  Matt.  xxvi.  6, 
&c. 

During  the  entertainment  above-mentioned,  Judas 
Iscariot,  yielding  to  the  impulses  of  his  insatiate  ava- 
rice, arose  from  table,  and  hastened  to  the  city  to  Je- 
rusalem, having  formed  the  abominable  resolution  of 
betraying  his  Master  for  the  sake  of  the  reward  he 
should  obtain  from  the  rulers  of  Israel.  He  found 
the  council  assembled,  and  communicated  to  them 
his  horrid  purpose.  They  eagerly  embraced  his  pro- 
posal, and  agreed  to  pay  him  thirty  *  shekels  of  sil- 
ver, on  condition  of  his  betraying  the  blessed  Jesus 

*  Thirty  staters,  or  sheckels  of  the  sanctuary,  were  equal  to  about 
three  pounds  Mfteen  shilUngs  English  money,  which  sum  was  the  usual 
price  paid  for  a  slave  ;  so  that  in  the  circumstance  of  conspiring  against 
his  hfe,  the  Jews  manifested  their  contempt  for  the  Son  of  God. 


164  THE    HISTORY    OF 

into  their  power.  Having  engaged  in  this  iniquitous 
contract  with  the  chief- priests,  Judas  resolved  to  avail 
himself  of  the  first  favorable  opportunity  of  carrying  his 
design  into  execution,  at  a  time  when  our  Lord  was  not 
attended  by  his  numerous  followers,  that  he  might 
avoid  fomenting  a  popular  tumult.  *' Then  one  of  the 
**  twelve,  called  Judas  Iscariot,  went  unto  the  chief- 
*'  priests, and  said  unto  them,  What  will  ye  give  me, 
*'  and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you  ?  And  they  cove- 
*'  nanted  with  him  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver.  Anjd 
*'  from  that  time  he  srought  opportunities  to  betray 
"  him."     Matt.  xxvi.   14,  15,  16. 

The  time  was  now  approaching,  when  our  blessed 
Saviour  was  to  conclude  the  mighty  work  for  which 
he  had  come  into  the' world  ;  and  he  was  determined 
to  adhere  to  the  most  minute  of  the  ceremonial  insti- 
tutions of  Moses.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  feast  of  un- 
leavened  bread,  being  the  fifth  of  the  week,  at  which 
time  the  Jews  were  commanded  by  the  law  to  kill  the 
paschal  lamb,  the  disciples  enquired  of  Jesus,  whether 
it  was  not  his  pleasure  that  they  should  make  prepara- 
tions for  the  celebration  of  the  passover  ?  Hereupon  our 
Saviour  commanded  Peter  and  John  to  repair  to  Jerusa- 
lem, and  make  the  necessary  preparations  for  the  feast, 
which  he  said,  he  meant  to  celebrate  in  that  city,  in 
company  with  his  apostles  ;  adding,  that  upon  enter- 
ing the  city,  they  v/ould  meet  a  man  bearing  a  pitcher 
of  water,  and  enjoining  them  to  follow  him  into  his 
house,  and  in  the  name  of  their  Master,  request,  that 
he  would  provide  a  convenient  room  for  the  reception 
of  him  and  his  disciples.  This  man,  said  our  Lord, 
will  immediately  conduct  you  into  a  coiumodious  and 
furnished  room  at  the  upper  part  of  his  house,  where 
you  are  to  make  the  necessary  preparations  for  the 
passover.  Thus  our  blessed  Saviour  meant  to  con- 
vince his  disciples,  that  he  was  acquainted  with  every 
event  that  w^ould  happen  to  him ;  and  that  he  should 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  163 

voluntarily  and  with  cheerfulness,  submit  to  those 
punishments  and  indignities  which  were  to  openile  to 
the  benefit  of  mankind.  In  obedience  to  the  com- 
mand of  Jesus,  Peter  and  John  repaired  to  Jerusalem, 
and,  upon  entering  that  city,  they  met  a  man  v\ith  a 
pitcher  of  water,  who  behaved  to  them  exactly  as  their 
Master  had  foretold.  "  Then  came  the  day  of  un- 
^'  leavened  bread,  when  the  passover  must  be  killed. 
"  And  he  sent  Peter  and  John,  saying,  Go,  and  pre- 
"  pare  us  the  passover,  that  we  may  eat.  And  they 
"  said  unto  him,  Where  wilt  thou  that  we  prepare  .'' 
"  And  he  said  unto  them,  Behold,  when  ye  are  en- 
*'  tered  into  the  city,  there  shall  a  man  meet  you, 
*'  bearing  a  pitcher  of  water  :  follow  him  into  the 
"  house  where  he  entereth  in.  And  ye  shall  say  unto 
*'  the  good  man  of  the  house,  The  master  saith  unto 
**  thee,  Where  is  the  guest-chamber  where  I  shall 
*'  eat  the  passover  with  my  disciples  ?  And  he  shall 
*'  shew  you  a  large  room  furnished  ;  there  make  rea- 
"  c]y.  And  they  went  and  found  as  he  had  said  unto 
"  them;  and  they  made  ready  the  passover."  Luke 
xxii.  6,  Sec. 

The  two  apostles  having  made  the  necessary  pre- 
parations for  the  passover,  upon  the  approach  of  even- 
ing, our  blessed  Redeemer  departed  from  Bethany ; 
and  some  time  before  the  hour  at  which  the  Jews  were 
accustomed  to  eat  the  passover,  he  entered  the  city  of 
Jerusalem,  and  repaired  to  the  apartment  which  had 
been  prepared  for  his  reception,  accompanied  by  his 
twelve  apostles. 

While  they  were  at  table,  our  blessed  Lord  said  to 
his  apostles,  I  tell  you  of  a  truth,  that  one  of  the 
twelve  who  are  now  at  supper  with  me,  shall  treache- 
rously surrender  me  into  the  power  of  the  Sanhedrim. 
Hereupon  they  were  greatly  disconcerted,  and  seve- 
rally asked  their  Master,  to  which  of  them  he  refer- 


166  THE    HISTORY    OF 

red.  Jesus  declined  giving  a  decisive  answer,  but 
repeated,  that  he  should  be  betrayed  by  one  of  the 
twelve. 

So  afflicted  were  the  innocent  disciples  by  what 
their  Master  had  said  concerning  the  treachery  he  was 
to  experience,  that  they  did  not  remark  the  words  ad. 
dressed  to  his  apostate  disciple,  whom  our  Saviour 
had  privately  informed,  that  he  was  apprized  of  his 
villainous  intention :   but  they  repeated   their  ques- 
tion,  as  to  which  of  them  was  capable  of  so  horrid  a 
crime  as  that  he  had  mentioned.     Yielding  at  length 
to  their  importunity,  our  blessed  Redeemer  signified 
to  them  that  he  should  be  betrayed  by  one  of  those 
who  eat  out  of  the  same  dish  with  him.     The  time  is 
approaching,  said  our  Lord,  when  I  shall  be  put  to 
death,    agreeable  to  the  prophecies  concerning   the 
Messiah*  :   but  the  most  dreadful  punishments  shall 
be  inflicted  upon  that  man  who  shall  betray  me.    The 
declaration   of  Jesus  could  not  fail  to  disconcert  the 
wicked  traitor,  who,  however,  soon  recovered  his  usu- 
al confidence,  and  determined  boldly  to  proceed  in  his 
iniquitous  project.     "  Now  when  the  even  was  come 
*'  he  sat  down  with  the  twelve.     And  as  they  did  eat, 
*'  he  said.   Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you 
**  shall  betray  me.     And  they  Mere  exceeding   sor- 
''  rowful,   and  began  every  one  of  them  to  say  unto 
"  him,  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  And  he  answered  and  said.  He 
"  that  dippeth  his  hand  with  me  in  the  dish,  the  same 
"  shall  betray  me.     The  Son  of  man  goeth,  as  it  is 
*'  written  of  him  :   but  woe  unto  that  man  by  whom 
"  the  Son  of   man  is  betrayed  :   it  had  been  good  for 
"  that  man,  if  he  had  not  been  born.     Then  Judas, 

*  Hence  it  appears,  that  the  prediction  of  Christ's  suffering  throiio-h 
the  treachery  of  Judas,  laid  him  under  no  necessity  of  performing  the 
horrid  deed,  but  only  implied  a  knowledge  in  God,  as  to  the  manner 
in  which  the  uncontrouled  will  of  man  would  operate. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  l6j 

*'  which  betrayed  him,  answered,  and  said,  Master, 
*'  is  it  1  ?  He  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  said."  Matt. 
xxvi.  20,  &c. 

A  variety  of  conjectures  having  been  framed  con- 
cerning the  motives  whereby  the  perfidious  Judas  was 
induced  to  deliver  his  innocent  Master  into  the  power 
of  his  cruel  enemies,  it  may  not  here  be  improper  to 
insert  those,  which  carry  with  them  the  strongest  ap- 
pearances of  probability  :  but  as  this  is  a  point  of 
some  intricacy,  we  shall  be  careful  not  to  lay  any  re- 
straint or  prejudice  upon  the  minds  of  our  readers, 
who  will  be  left  entirely  free  to  deduce  from  the  ex- 
plicit and  candid  arguments  which  we  shall  produce, 
such  decisions  as  the  dictates  of  reason  shall  sug- 
gest. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  many  learned  men,  that  Judas 
was  induced  to  the  perpetration  of  this  abominable 
act  of  villainy,  by  the  resentment  with  which  they 
suppose  him  to  have  been  inspired,  in  consequence  of 
the  rebuke  he  received  from  his  Master,  for  having 
censured  the  woman  who  poured  a  precious  ointment 
upon  the  head  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  while  he  was 
at  supper,  in  the  house  of  Simon  the  leper.  Though 
it  is  probable  that  this  was  a  reason  of  some  weight 
with  the  traitor,  it  could  scarcely  be  his  only  motive, 
because  the  reproof  was  not  directed  to  him  in  parti- 
cular, but  to  his  disciples  in  general,  who  had  perhaps 
concurred  in  blaming  the  woman  for  what  they  con- 
ceived to  be  an  unnecessary  act  of  profusion.  It  is, 
indeed,  scarcely  to  be  imagined,  that  so  mild  a  re- 
proof could  have  provoked  any  man,  of  however  an 
irrascible  and  revengeful  a  disposition,  to  determine 
upon  the  murder  of  his  friend  :  and  it  is  less  likely, 
that  Judas,  whose  avaricious  temper  must  have  dis- 
posed him  to  bear  much  severity  of  treatment,  rather 
than   fail   to   improve   the  opportunity  of  acquiring 


163  THE    HISTORY    OF 

wealth,  would  have  been  urged  to  this  wicked  resolu- 
tion by  so  slight  a  provocaiion  ;  for  he,  as  well  as  the 
other  apostles,  still  imagined  that  Jesus  would  affect 
the  pomp  and  splendor  of  a  temporal  sovereign,  and 
that  his  followers  would  be  promoted  to  offices  of 
high  honor  and  emolument. 

Others  are  of  opinion,  that  the  covetous  disposi- 
tion of  Judas  prompted  him  to  betray  his  Master: 
but  if  by  the  word  covetous  we  are  to  understand 
the  desire  of  obtaining"  reward  from  the  chief-priests, 
this  conjecture  must  be  extremely  defective  ;  for  the 
sum  was  too  inconsiderable  to  tempt  the  most  sordid 
mind,  to  resolve  upon  sacrificing  the  life  of  a  friend  ; 
and  more  especially,  if  the  man  expected  to  enjoy  much 
greater  emoluments  from  the  future  f^ivors  of  that 
friend,  than  it  was  possible  could  result  to  him  in  con- 
sequence  of  his  death. 

A  third  party  attribute  the  perfidy  of  Judas  to  the 
doubts  he  entertained,  as  to  whether  his  Master  was 
in  reality  the  Messiah  ;  and  these  imagine,  that  he 
betrayed  him  in  a  fit  of  despair.  But  the  futility  of 
this  solution  may  be  proved  with  but  little  difiiculty. 
Had  Judas  believed  his  Master  to  be  an  impostor, 
some  parts  of  his  conduct  must  have  appeared  as  a 
foundation  of  so  injurious  an  opinion;  and  in  this  case, 
he  would  indisputably  have  particularized  to  the  chief 
priests  and  elders,  whatever  he  conceived  to  be  ob- 
jectionable in  the  behaviour  of  our  Saviour,  at  the 
time  when  he  engaged  in  the  contract  of  betraying 
him.  That  he  did  nothing  of  this  kind,  is  clearly  evi- 
dent ;  for  had  he  exhibited  any  accusation  against  his 
Master  before  the  council,  they  most  certainly  would 
have  reminded  him  of  that  circumstance,  when  he 
returned  to  them,  and  expressed  his  remorse  and  con- 
trition for  the  perfidy  of  his  conduct.  Had  he  giv- 
en any  intimations  tending  to  confirm  the  priests  and 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  l69 

cklers  in  their  disbelief  oi'  the  divinity  of  the  mission 
of  Jesus,  they  would  most  indisputably  have  been 
adduced  against  him  in  the  course  of  his  trial,  when 
his  enemies  were  wholly  incapable  of  procuring  evi. 
dcnce  in  support  of  their  groundless  accusations. 
It  may  be  further  observed,  that  had  Judas  consider- 
ed his  Master  as  an  impostor,  and  expected  no  other 
reward  for  sacrificing  his  life  than  the  money  he  was 
to  receive  from  the  council,  he  would  scarcely  have 
accepted  of  so  small  a  sum  ;  since  he  could  not  be 
ignorant,  that  the  chief- priests  and  rulers  would  not 
have  scrupled  to  give  any  price,  rather  than  fail  of 
getting   the  person  of  our  Saviour  into  their  power. 

In  short,  the  solemn  declaration  which  Judas  made 
to  the  priests,  bearing  testimony  to  the  perfect  in- 
nocence of  our  great  Redeemer,  and  expressing  his 
concern  for  the  horrid  crime  he  had  committed,  are 
clear  confutations  of  the  supposition  that  he  believed 
his  Master  to  be  an  impostor.  *'  I  have  sinned,"  said 
he,  "  in  betraying  innocent  blood." 

The  evangelist  informs  us,  that  Judas  was  of  so 
rapacious  a  disposition,  as  to  embezzle  money  from 
the  common  stock  of  our  Saviour  and  his  apostles ; 
and  this  affords  us  sufficient  reason  to  believe,  that  he 
became  the  disciple  of  Jesus  with  a  view  to  amass 
riches,  and  acquire  such  other  temporal  advantages, 
as  he  supposed  would  be  enjoyed  by  the  friends  and 
followers  of  the  Messiah.  This  evangelist  also  gives 
a  sanction  to  the  idea,  that  as  he  had  been  disappoint- 
ed in  his  expectations,  he  became  extrem.ely  impatient 
of  the  delay  ;  and  the  more  so,  as  his  Master  had  fre- 
quently, and  particularly  about  that  period,  dissuad- 
ed his  disciples  from  entertaining  any  ambitious 
views  or  expectations;  and  had  also  declined  to  em- 
brace the  opportunity  of  erecting  a  temporal  sove- 
reignty, to  which  he  had  been  vehemently  urged  by 

VOL.     II.  X 


170  THE    HISTORY    OF 

the  mnltitDde,  who  had  accompanied  him  to  Jerusa- 
lem -  uts  and  exclamations  of  Hosanna  to  the 
Son  L  :.  His  impatience,  therefore,  it  mny  be 
presomed,  w  as  so  excessive,  as  to  prompt  him  to  sur- 
render his  Master  into  the  pouer  of  the  Sar.hedrim  ; 
conceiving,  that  he  would  then  be  under  an  absolute 
necessity  of  assuming  the  dignity  of  a  sovereign  prince, 
which  uould  place  him  in  a  situation,  whereby  he 
would  be  enabled  to  bestow  emoiaments  and  other 
rewards  upon  his  followers. 

The  grand  council  of  the  Jewish  nation  was  com- 
posed of  the  principal  persons  of  the  sacerdotal  order, 
the  representatives  of  the  most  eminent  of  the  Jewish 
&milies,  and  the  doctors  of  the  law  ;  and  when  con- 
ducted into  the  presence  of  so  august  an  assembly, 
the  traitor,  pe:  haps,  imagined,  that  his  Master  would 
resolutely  assert  his  pretentions  to  the  tirle  of  the 
Messiah  ;  and  after  proving  the  justice  of  his  claim, 
to  the  entire  conviction  of  the  council,  immediately 
assume  the  regal  dignity,  and  claim  the  right  of  exer- 
cising the  full  powers  government. 

Though  he  could  not  be  ignorant  that  the  mea- 
sures he  was  pursuing  would  prove  exceedingly  of- 
fensive to  his  Master,  yet  he  might  hope  that  the  suc- 
cess of  his  project  would  ensure  his  pardon  from  the 
benevolent  Jesus,  and  also  recon.meod  him  to  a  mere 
distinguished  place  in  the  esteem  of  so  generous  a 
Piaster.  Considering  himself  affronted  by  the  re- 
proof he  received  when  the  woman  had  poured 
the  ointment  upon  the  head  of  Jesus,  he  was  pro- 
bably provoked  to  execute  the  resolution  he  had 
fi  '  ~  -?  ^^^  Master  to  an  alteration  of 

h:  .^,  therefore,  from  table,  he  has- 

tened to  the  counci!,  and  proposed  to  them  his  iniquit- 
o  't.      For   a  small  reward,    he   engaged  to 

cc.  -.  party  of  armed  men  to  the  place  oi  retire- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  171 

ment,  where  our  Saviour  usually  resorted  at  night, 
thut  they  might  apprehend  him  without  dangtr  of 
being  opposed  by,  or  of  creating  a  tumult  among 
the  populace. 

Judas  asked  the  chief-piiests  and  elders,  what  re- 
ward he  was  to  expect  for  betraying  his  Master  to 
them  :  but  it  is  probable,  that  he  did  not  suspect 
thai  his  enemies  had  determined  to  put  him  *.o  death  ; 
for  they  had  not  publicly  avowed  the  barbarity  of 
their  designs,  but  pretended,  that  they  were  bound 
by  the  duties  of  their  station,  to  bring  him  to  trial 
for  assuming  the  character  of  the  Messiah,  in  order 
that  he  might  be  treated  according  to  his  deserts  : 
and  the  offer  that  Judas  made  to  the  council,  was  in 
consequence  of  their  public  resolution.  Had  the  chief- 
priests  and  elders  suspected,  that  the  design  of  Judas 
was  to  effect  the  death  of  his  Master,  they  must  have 
understood,  that  he  coincided  with  them  in  the  sup- 
position, that  Jesus  was  an  impostor ;  and  therefore 
they  would  have  produced  him  as  an  evidence  in 
support  of  the  accusation  exhibited  against  their  Mas- 
ter. 

It  is  true,  that  the  persecutors  of  our  blessed  Savi- 
our said,  the  money  which  they  paid  to  Judas  was 
*'  the  price  of  blood  ;"  but  this  phrase  is  not  to  be 
understood  in  the  strict  literal  sense.  The  traitor  had 
given  them  power  to  deprive  our  blessed  Redeemer 
of  life,  and  therefore  they  said,  the  money  paid  to  him 
was  "  the  price  of  blood." 

Had  Judas  intended  to  take  away  the  life  of  our 
blessed  Saviour,  he  would  have  rejoiced  when  he  was 
condemned  to  die  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  when  this 
shocking  sentence  was  pronounced,  he  repented  of  his 
wicked  proceedings,  proposed  to  return  the  bribe  he 


1J2  THE    HISTORY    OF 

had  received  from  the  council,  and  bore  solemn  and 
public  testimony  to  his  iSiastcr's  innocence. 

Whatever  was  the  motive  of  Judas  it  is  certain  that 
his  treachery  will  not  admit  either  of  excuse  or  pal- 
liation ;  for,  considered  in  the  most  favorable  point 
of  view,  it  must  be  admitted,  that  he  acted  in  direct 
contradiction  to  every  sentiment  of  religion  and  vir- 
tue. It  is,  however,  indisputably  certain,  that  Judas 
was  not  influenced  by  any  buspicion  as  to  the  justice 
of  the  pretensions  of  his  Master  to  the  character  of 
the  Messiah,  to  impeach  the  divinity  of  whose  com- 
mission, not  the  slightest  circumstance  can  be  collect- 
ed from  the  v»'hole  tenor  of  the  conduct  of  the  abomi- 
nable and  impious  traitor. 

But,  returning  from  this  digression,  we  shall  relate 
the  particulars  of  the  sacrament  instituted  by  our  Sa- 
viour in  commemoration  of  his  death  and  sufferings. 
Being  shortly  to  surrender  his  life  as  a  propitiatory 
sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  mankind,  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer instituted  the  sacrament  of  his  supper,  that 
his  death,  and  the  beneficent  purposes  thereof,  might 
be  perpetuated  to  the  most  distant  ages. 

While  our  I^ord  sat,  accompanied  by  his  disciples, 
at  the  Paschal  sa{)per,  he  took  some  bread,  and  having 
broken  it,  desired  his  apostles  to  eat,  saying,  that  the 
food  he  had  offered  them,  they  were  to  consider  as 
his  body.  This  rite,  said  our  Lord,  you  are  not  in 
future  to  observe  as  a  memorial  of  the  deliverance  of 
the  Jewish  nation  from  the  Egyptian  bondage,  but  in 
conimemorati(jn  of  the  happy  event  of  being  rescued 
b}  me  fioni  a  state  of  spiritual  bondage,  which  is  in- 
finitely more  deplorable  than  all  the  afflictions  which 
your  fore. fathers  experienced  from  those  people  who 
had  re(!ucc(!  ihem  to  a  state  of  the  rnost  abject  slave-' 
ry.     Your  observance  of  this  institution,  will  intitle 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  173 

you  to  the  glorious  privilege  of  being  numbered 
among  the  children  of  God.  Do  this  in  remembrance 
of  me,  who  by  yielding  up  my  life,  will  redeem  you 
from  the  power  and  t}  ranny  of  Satan,  and  enable  you 
to  attain  to  a  state  of  glorious  antl  immortal  bliss. — 
Having  divided  the  bread  among  his  disciples,  our  bles- 
sed Redeemer  filled  a  cup  with  wine,  and  having  given 
thanks  to  God,  presented  it  to  his  apostles,  command- 
ing them  all  to  drink  ;  and  telling  them,  that  the  wine 
represented  his  blood,  by  the  eftusion  of  which,  his 
heavenly  Father  would  enter  into  a  new  covenant  with 
mankind,  by  means  of  which  the  sins  of  the  people 
then  existing,  and  of  future  ages,  would  be  expiated. 
My  disciples,  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  must  in  all  ages 
drmk  of  this  cup,  because  the  wine  it  contains,  repre- 
sents my  blood,  which  will  soon  be  shed  for  the  re- 
mission of  the  sins  of  mankind,  and  by  w^hich  the 
new  covenant  between  God  and  man  will  be  fully  ra- 
tified ;  adding,  after  he  had  taken  a  second  cup  of 
wine,  and  presented  it  to  the  apostles  who  sat  next 
to  him,  desiring  them  all  to  partake  of  it,  that  he  had 
been  extremely  desirous  of  celebrating  this  passover 
with  them,  which  was  the  last  he  should  participate, 
until  they  should  meet  him  in  the  glorious  kingdom 
of  his  heavenly  Father,  and  there  celebrate  their 
deliverance  from  the  miseries  hiseparable  from  the 
imperfection  unulienably  annexed  to  humanity. — 
"  And  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
''  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  disciples, 
*'  and  said.  Take,  eat  ;  this  is  my  body.  And  he 
"■  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them, 
*'  saving,  drink  ye  all  of  it :  for  this  is  my  blood  of 
"  the  New  Testament,  which  is  shed  for  many  for 
"  the  remission  of  sins.  But  I  say  unto  you,  I  will 
"  not  drink  henceforth  of  the  fruit  of  the  vine,  until 
*'  that  day  when  1  drink  it  new  with  you  in  my  Fa- 
"  ther's  kingdom."  Matt.  xxvi.  26,  &:c.  ''  The  Lord 
"  Jesus,  the  same   night  in   which  he  was  betrayed, 


174  THE    HISTORY    OF 

*'  took  bread :  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
*'  brake  it,  and  said,  Take  eat :  this  is  my  body, 
*'  which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance 
**  of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the 
"  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the 
*'  New  Testament  in  my  bhjod  :  this  do  ye,  as  often 
*'  as  ye  drmk  it,  in  remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often 
"  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew 
"  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come.  Wherefore,  whoso- 
"  ever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the 
*■'  Lord  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and 
"  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  him- 
"  self,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of 
"  that  cup.  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unwor- 
"  thily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to  himself,  not 
"  discerning  the   Lord's  body."   1  Cor.   xi.   23.   &c. 

The  manifestation  of  the  Son  of  God  is  the  most 
illustrious  and  momentous  event,  that  can  possibly 
engage  the  meditatjon  of  mankind.  On  account  of  his 
sufferings  for  us,  we  are  indebted  to  him  for  all  our 
hopes  and  assurances  of  obtaining  forgivness  of  our 
sins,  and  the  enjoyment  of  a  state  of  ineffable  and  ever- 
lasting bliss.  To  procure  the  happiness  of  mankind, 
he  assumed  the  veil  of  humanity,  thereby  condescend- 
ing to  suffer  an  amazing  degradation  from  the  dignity 
he  enjoyed  « ith  his  heavenly  Father :  for  the  same 
beneficent  purpose,  he  employed  himself  with  unwea- 
ried attention,  in  delivering  such  instructions  as  were 
calculated  for  enabling  the  sinful  children  of  men  to 
secure  their  eternal  salvation  ;  and  while  he  delivered 
these  divine  precepts,  he  shone  forth  an  all-perfect  ex- 
ample of  sanctity  and  virtue. 

For  the  benefit  of  mankind,  our  blessed  Redeemer 
submitted  to  a  long  course  of  the  most  cruel  indig- 
nities and  hardships,  to  the  agonies  of  crucifixion, 
and  the  stroke  of  death  ;  he  then  arose  from  the  grave, 


OUit    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  175 

and  in  the  fulness  of  heavenly  splendor,  ascended  to 
the  throne  of  the  Almighty,  to  mediate  in  behalf  of 
mankind. 

The  institution  of  the  sacrament  above-mentioned, 
was  perfectly  consistent  with  ihe  unbounded  wisdom 
and  goodness  which  were  manifested  through  the 
whole  tenor  of  our  blessed  Redeemer's  conduct,  dur- 
ing his  residence  on  earth.  The  beneficent  Jesus  in- 
stituted this  rite,  in  order  that  his  death  and  suffer- 
ings, and  the  glorious  purposes  thereof,  might  be  con- 
stantly impressed  upon  our  memories.  The  breaking 
of  bread,  and  pouring  out  wine,  were  intended  tore- 
present  to  us  a  signal  proof  of  the  tender  affection 
which  both  Jesus  and  his  heavei.-ly  Father  entertained 
for  mankind,  to  procure  whose  salvation,  the  sacred 
body  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  was  exposed  to  the 
most  vile  indignities,  and  the  most  excrutiating  cru- 
elties, that  the  inveterate  malice  of  his  enemies  could 
suggest.  In  this  instance  of  the  divine  love,  we  can- 
not fail  to  perceive  a  peculiar  propriety  ;  for  it  point- 
ed out,  by  a  particular  ordination,  a  fact  of  the  high- 
est importance  in  the  immense  scheme  of  revelation. 
It  may  indeed  be  presumed,  that,  in  those  corrupt  and 
illiterate  ages,  when  the  sacred  truths  of  the  Scrip- 
tures were  but  little  known  by  the  generality  of  the 
people,  and  when  the  works  of  the  inspired  writers 
were  in  a  great  measure  neglected,  even  by  the  priests, 
the  sufferings  and  death  of  our  Saviour  would  scarce- 
ly have  been  remembered,  had  not  those  facts  been 
perpetuated  by  the  celebration  of  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supi-er. 

Since  we  are  naturally  inclined  to  yield  to  the  allure- 
ments of  sensual  pleasure,  the  charms  of  ambition, 
and  the  splendor  of  riches,  which  are  calculated  to 
suppress  and  obliterate  the  noblest  sentiments  of  reli- 
gion and  virtue,  our  benevolent  Redeemer  was  gra- 


176  THE    HISTORY    OF 

ciously  pleased,  by  enjoining  us  to  a  frequent  repeti- 
tion of  the  sacramental  feast,  to  afford  us  opportunities 
of  reflecting  upon  our  erroneous  proceedings,  and  the 
necessity  of  a  punctual  discharge  of  the  Christian 
duties. 

The  gospel  of  Christ  is  beneficent  and  generous  :  it 
is  admirably  adapted  to  correct  the  irregularity  and 
intemperance  of  our  passions,  to  enlarge  our  affec- 
tions towards  our  fellow-creatures,  and  to  inspire  us 
w^th  an  ardent  love  of  God  :  but  though  it  enforces 
all  the  religious  and  moral  obligations,  by  motives 
astonishingly  powerful  and  affecting,  yet  such  is  the 
perverseness  of  the  disposition  of  mankind,  that  their 
peace  is  continually  interrupted  by  jealousies,  conten- 
tions, envy,  wrath,  and  malice.  Therefore  by  uniting 
us  together  by  the  sacrament  of  his  body  and  blood, 
the  blessed  and  immaculate  Jesus  manifested  his  di- 
vine wisdom  and  benevolence,  and  powerfully  urged 
us  to  avoid  anger,  calumny,  revenge,  and  all  other  vi- 
cious dispositions, ;  and  at  the  same  time  strongly 
recommended  the  practice  of  compassion,  humility, 
tenderness,  and  love. 

We  are  bound  by  an  indispensible  obligation  to  a 
punctual  observance  of  the  sacrament  of  our  Lord's 
Supper  ;  and  therefore,  that  wc  may  receive  it  wor- 
thily, it  behoves  us  piously  to  meditate  on  the  design 
of  the  gospel,  the  noble  system  of  heavenly  truths 
which  it  exhibits,  the  illustrious  example  of  our  bles- 
sed Saviour,  the  ravishing  prospects  of  his  revelation, 
and  the  powerful  and  incontestible  evidence,  by  which 
the  great  truths  of  his  gospel  are  so  wonderfully  con- 
firmed. 

It  is  an  essential  branch  of  our  duty,  to  contemplate 
the  unparrelled  benevolence  of  the  Almighty,  in  pro- 
jecting the  great  scheme  of  our  redemption  ;  the  infi- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  177 

nite  goodness  of  his  only  Son,  in  mediating  in  our  be- 
luilt",  and  his  wonderful  transactions  in  the  prosecuiion 
of  this  stupendous  undertaking  :  and  that  our  hopes 
of  salvation  may  not  prove  abortive,  we  must  strongly 
impress  upon  our  minds  a  proper  sense  of  the  great 
and  immediate  purposes,  for  which  this  sacrament 
was  appointed. 

This  sacrament  was  instituted  by  our  Saviour,  in 
order  to  establish  the  hearts  of  mankind  in  the  love 
and  fear  of  God,  who  yielded  up  his  only  Son  as  a 
propitiatory  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  mankind.  Those 
who  have  professed  faith  in  Christ,  are  required  to 
prove  the  reality  of  that  profession,  by  a  strict  obedi- 
ence to  the  precepts  of  his  gospel,  and  by  abounding 
in  that  righteous  disposition  which  his  own  heavenly 
example  so  engagingly  recommends.  Thus  will  the 
sacrament  be  rendered  subservient  to  the  most  bene- 
ficial purposes,  and  be  made  instrumental  in  qualify- 
ing us  for  participating  in  that  dignity  and  happi- 
ness,  which  our  Saviour  enjoys  in  the  blessed  mansi- 
ons of  his  heavenly  Father. 

Having  before  the  passover  predicted  his  sufferings 
aiul  death,  while  our  Lord  remained  among  his  dis- 
ciples, he  continued  to  behave  towards  them  with  the 
strongest  instances  of  his  love  and  benevolence. — 
Though  he  was  acquainted  with  the  impious  design 
which  Judas  had  projected  against  his  life,  and  was 
invested  with  power  by  his  heavenly  Father  to  defeat 
the  iniquitous  machinations  of  the  traitor,  yet  he  did 
not  obstruct  the  execution  of  his  sacrilegious  purpose, 
nor,  on  his  account,  behave  with  less  tenderness  and 
aifviction  towards  his  other  apostles.  In  the  mean 
lime  Judas,  having  permitted  his  imagination  to  be 
entirely  engrossed  by  the  delusions  of  Satan,  and  be- 
ing resolved  to  proceed  in  his  treasonable  design,  con- 
tinued assiduously  to  attend  upon  the  person  of  Jesys, 

VOL.     II.  Y 


178  THE    HISTORY    OF 

anxiously  waiting  for  an  opportunity  of   betraying 
his  Master  into  the  power  of  his  enemies. 

Nothwithstanding  the  frequent  intimations  that  our 
Saviour  had  given,  to  convince  his  apostles  that  he 
was  not  to  erect  a  temporal  sovereignty,  they  still  en- 
tertained an  opinion  that  the  time  would  soon  arrive, 
when  he  would  assume  the  reins  of  government,  and 
render  all  the  princes  of  the  earth  subject  to  his  do- 
minion ;  and  therefore  they  engaged  in  a  controversy, 
as  to  who  should  enjoy  the  most  dibtinguished  offices 
under  his  government.  Hereupon  our  Lord  admo- 
nished them,  as  he  had  done  on  former  occasions. 

The  kings  of  the  Gentiles,  said  Jesus,  exercise  an 
arbitrary  dominion  over  their  subjects,  who  bestow 
upon  their  tyrannical  rulers  the  most  honorable  ap- 
pellations. But  you  are  to  conduct  yourselves  in  a 
very  different  manner:  to  obtain  true  honor  and  sin- 
cere esteem,  you  must  omit  no  opportunity  of  ren- 
dering services  to  your  fellow  creatures.  The  person 
who  sits  at  table,  is  more  honorably  distinguished 
than  the  man  by  whom  he  is  attended  in  the  capacity 
of  a  servant.  But  I  am  resolved  to  minister  to  you, 
that  by  my  example  you  may  be  instructed  in  your 
duty.  But  you  are  not  to  infer  from  what  I  have 
said,  that  I  esteem  you  unworthy  to  enjoy  the  rewards 
of  my  heavenly  kingdom.  You  have  steadily  adher- 
ed to  me  under  all  my  misfortunes  :  and  therefore,  as 
my  Father  has  admitted  me  to  share  in  his  kingdom, 
so  will  I  delegate  my  authority  to  you  ;  and  you  shall 
be  seated  in  my  presence  upon  twelve  thrones,  to  pro- 
nounce judgment  upon  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 
*'  And  there  was  also  a  strife  among  them,  which  of 
"  them  should  be  accounted  the  greatest.  And  he 
"  said  unto  them,  The  kings  of  the  Gentiles  exercise 
"  lordship  over  them,  and  they  that  exercise  au- 
**  thority    upon  them    are    called    benefactors.     But 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  179 

*'  ye  shall  not  be  so  :  but  he  that  is  greatest  among 
"  you,  let  him  be  as  the  younger  ;  and  he  that  is  chitf, 
"  as  he  that  doth  ^erve.  For  whether  is  greater,  he 
"  that  sitteth  at  meat,  or  he  that  serveth  ?  is  not  he 
*'  that  sitteth  at  meat .''  but  1  am  among  you  as  he  that 
*'  serveth.  Ye  are  they  which  have  continued  with 
'*  me  in  my  temptations.  And  I  appoint  unto  you  a 
''  kingdom,  as  my  hath  Father  appointed  unto  me  : 
"  that  ye  may  eat  and  drink  at  my  table  in  my  king. 
"  dom  and  sit  on  thrones,  judging  the  twelve  tribes 
'^  of  Israel."  Luke  xxii.   24,   &c. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  now  arose  from  table,  and  put- 
ting off  his  upper  garment,  girted  a  napkin  round  his 
body  ;  then  pouring  water  into  a  bason,  he  proceeded 
to  wash  the  feet  of  his  apostles,  and  to  wipe  them 
with  the  napkin  which  he  had  put  round  his  waist. 
When  our  Lord  came  to  Peter,  that  apostle  objected 
to  having  his  feet  washed  by  his  Master  ;  who  there- 
upon said,  that  though  he  was  yet  unacquainted  with 
the  reason  of  his  performing  that  office,  he  should  be 
informed  of  it  in  a  short  time.  However,  Peter  still 
objected,  saying,  that  he  could  not  endure  to  see 
his  Master  degrade  himself  by  so  servile  an  employ- 
ment. Upon  this  Jesus  said,  that  if  Peter  continued 
to  oppose  his  design,  he  could  not  partake  of  the  bles- 
sings of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Hereby  our  Lord 
signified,  by  an  allusion  of  corporeal  washing,  that  the 
minds  of  men  were  to  be  purified  from  their  vices  and 
defilements,  before  they  would  be  qualified  to  enjoy 
eternal  happiness.  Peter  not  yet  comprehending  the 
meaning  of  Jesus,  exclaimed,  If  it  seems  good  to  thee, 
O  Lord,  wash  not  my  feet  alone,  but  my  head  and 
hands  also.  Upon  this  our  Saviour  said,  that  the  man 
who  had  once  washed  his  body,  was  entirely  clean, 
and  that  therefore  it  was  not  necessary  for  him,  to 
have  recourse  to  frequent  clcansings,  except  with  re- 
spect to  the  feet,  which  were  liable  to  be  defiled  by  the 


186 


THE   HISTOttY    OF 


dust  and  dirt;  and  he  added,  that  thougli  some  of 
them  were  clean,  they  were  not  all  so.  Thus  he  in- 
timated, that  those  who  had  resolutely  determined  to 
divest  themselves  of  their  evil  habits,  were  not  re- 
quired to  effect  a  thorough  and  entire  change,  since 
they  had  only  to  free  themselves  from  some  relicks  of 
their  former  vices  ;  and  at  the  same  time  he  reflected 
upon  the  wickedness  of  Judas,  w  ho  he  did  not  consi- 
der as  being  upon  terms  of  equality  w  ith  his  other  dis- 
ciples, and  w  ho  had  the  confidence  to  remain  in  the  pre- 
sence of  his  Master,  and  dissemble  his  desperate  de- 
sign, although  he  was  conscious  that  his  iniquity  could 
not  be  concealed  from  Jesus.  "  He  riseth  from  sup- 
'^  per,  and  laid  aside  his  garments,  and  took  a  towel, 
"  and  girded  himself.  After  that,  he  poureth  water 
"  into  a  bason,  and  began  to  wash  the  disciples* 
"  feet,  and  to  wipe  them  w  ith  rhe  towel  wherewith 
"  he  was  srirded.  Then  cometh  he  to  Simon  Peter: 
**  and  Peter  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  dost  thou  w-ash 
*'  my  feet  ?  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him.  What 
*'  I  do  thou  knowest  not  now:  but  thou  shalt  know 
**  hereafter.  Peter  saith  unto  him,  thou  shalt  never 
'*  wash  my  feet.  Jesus  answered  him,  If  I  wash  thee 
*'  not,  thou  hast  no  part  with  me.  Simon  Peter  saith 
"  unto  him,  Lord,  not  my  feet  only,  but  also  my 
*' hands  and  my  head.  Jesus  saith  to  him.  He  that 
**  is  washed,  needcih  not  save  to  wash  his  feet,  but 
**  is  clean  every  whit :  and  yc  are  clean,  but  not  all. 
"  For  he  knew  v*  ho  should  betray  him  ;  therefore 
"  said  he,  Ye  are  not  all  clean."  John  xiii.  4,  &c. 

Having  performed  this  office,  our  Lord  put  on  his 
garment,  and  having  agam  seated  himself,  enquired 
of  his  apostles,  whether  they  understood  the  meaning 
of  what  he  had  done,  the  action  being  entirely  em- 
blematical. You  properly,  said  Jesus,  distinguish 
me  by  the  appellations  of  Lord  and  Master  ;  for  I  am 
the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Saviour  of  mankind.     If  then 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  181 

I,  who  am  your  Lord  and  Master,  condescend  to  * 
wash  your  feet,  by  my  example  you  are  instructed  in 
the  duty  of  being  ever  cheerfully  disposed  to  employ 
yourselves  in  the  most  humble  offices  of  charity  in 
behalf  of  your  fellow-creatures.  I  have  afforded  you 
a  striking  example  of  humility  and  moderation  :  and 
the  servant  cannot  reasonably  expect  more  favorable 
treatment  than  his  Master,  nor  is  the  messenger  to 
be  considered  as  superior  to  him  from  whom  he 
has  received  his  commission.  You  have  had  ma- 
ny opportunities  of  being  instructed  in  the  princi- 
ples of  your  duty,  by  a  strict  adherence  in  which  you 
will  most  assuredly  obtain  everlasting  happiness. — 
He  added,  that  previous  to  his  calling  them  to  the 
apostleship,  he  was  perfectly  acquainted  with  their 
most  secret  dispositions  ;  and  if  one  of  those  he  had 
chosen  should  prove  a  traitor,  his  delinquency  was 
not  to  excite  the  astonishment  of  the  others,  as  that 
man  was  appointed  to  be  one  of  his  disciples,  that 
the  scriptures  might  be  fulfilled,  since  he  was  volun- 
tarily disposed  to  submit  to  what  David  complained 
of.  "  He  that  has  eaten  bread  with  me,  hath  lift  up 
*'  his  heel  against  me."  This  I  say,  in  order  that 
none  of  you  may  erroneously  imagine,  that  any  oc- 
currence can  possibly  happen  to  me,  without  my  be- 
ing previously  informed  thereof,  and  that  you  may 
cheerfully  and  resolutely  proceed  in  the  duties  of 
your  apostolical  commission.  Whoever  shall  afford 
you  reception  worthy  the  characters  you  are  to  main- 
tain, I  shall  esteem  as  having  rendered  those  services 
to  me  ;  and  whoever  shall  be  thus  esteemed  by  me, 
will  be  as  liberally  rewarded  by  the  Almighty,  as  if 
their  kindness  had  been  exerted  in  favor  of  me,  who 
am  his  messenger,  and  act  under  the  authority  of  his 

*  This  is  not  to  be  literally  nn<lerstood,  as  imposing  a  command 
upon  mankind  to  wash  the  feet  of  each  other,  but  to  be  interpreted  in 
the  spiritual  sense  ;  Jesus  meaning  to  instruct  his  disciples,  that  they 
were  bound  to  perform  offices  of  charity  and  service  to  each  other. 


182  THE    HISTORY    OF 

divine  commission.  "  So  after  he  had  washed  their 
**  feet,  and  had  taken  his  garments,  and  was  stt  down 
"  again,  he  said  unto  them,  Know  ye  what  I  have 
"  done  to  you  ?  Ye  call  me  Master,  and  Lord  :  and 
*'  ye  say  well  :  for  so  I  am.  If  I  then,  your  Lord  and 
**  Master,  have  washed  your  feet,  ye  also  pught  to 
*'  wash  one  another's  feet.  For  I  have  given  you  an 
*'  example,  that  ye  should  do  as  I  have  done  to  you. 
"  Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  The  servant  is  not 
"  greater  than  his  Lord,  neither  he  that  is  sent,  greater 
"  than  he  that  sent  him.  If  ye  know  these  things,  hap- 
"  py  are  ye  if  ye  do  them.  I  speak  not  of  you  all ; 
*'  I  know  whom  I  have  chosen  ;  but  that  the  Scrip- 
*'  ture  may  be  fulfilled,  He  that  eateth  bread  with  me, 
"  hath  lift  up  his  heel  against  me.  Now  I  tell  you 
*'  before  it  come,  that  when  it  is  come  to  pass,  ye  may 
*'  believe  that  I  am  he.  Verily,  verily  I  say  unto 
*'  you,  He  that  receiveth  whomsoever  1  send,  receiv- 
**  eth  me  :  and  he  that  receiveth  me,  receiveth  him 
"  that  sent  me."  John  xiii.  12,  &c. 

While  our  blessed  Saviour  was  discoursing  in  the 
above  manner  to  his  dibcipics,  he  was  much  troubled 
by  reflecting,  that  he  should  be  betrayed  by  one  of 
them  :  and  this  circumstance  he  again  mentioned  in 
the  hearing  of  them  all.  Jesus  had  signified  to  Judas 
that  he  knew  him  to  be  the  traitor,  but  this  not  being 
overheard  by  the  other  apostles,  they  earnestly  regard- 
ed each  other,  being  unable  to  conceive  which  of  them 
could  be  capable  of  so  abominable  an  act  of  villain)?^. 
At  length  Peter  requested  John,  who  was  greatly  be- 
loved by  Jesus,  and  was  at  that  time  reclining  upon 
his  bosom,  to  ask  his  Master,  to  which  of  his  disciples 
he  alluded.  In  reply  to  the  request  of  John  our  Sa- 
viour said,  that  he  meant  the  man  to  whom  he  should 
present  some  bread  dipped  in  wine  ;  and  he  immedi- 
ately oftereda  sop  to  Judas  Iscariot,  who  had  no  soon- 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  183 

er  recievcd  it,  than  he  became  *  more  furiously  agi- 
tatetl  by  the  evil  spirit.  This  being  observed  by  our 
Saviour,  addressing  himself  to  the  traitor,  he  said  in 
a  loud  voice,  ''  Thatf  thou  doest,  do  quickly."  These 
words  were  not  understood  by  the  apostles,  some  of 
them  imagining,  that  as  Judas  was  accustomed  to  car- 
ry the  bag,  containing  the  common  stock  of  money  of 
Jesus  and  the  apostles,  his  Master  meant  to  command 
Judas  to  provide  such  necessaries  as  would  be  requir- 
ed during  the  remaining  days  of  the  feast  ;  and  others 
supposed,  that  he  meant  Judas  should  distribute  alms 
to  the  poor.  However,  when  Judas  had  eaten  the  sop 
presented  by  his  Master,  he  departed,  the  evening  be- 
ing then  far  advanced.  *'  When  Jesus  had  thus  said, 
"  he  was  troubled  in  spirit,  and  testified,  and  said, 
'*  Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you  shall 
*'  betray  me.  Then  the  disciples  looked  one  on  ano. 
"  ther,  doubting  of  whom  he  spake.  Now  there  was 
"  leaning  on  Jesus'  bosom  one  of  his  disciples  whom 
"  Jesus  loved.  Simon  Peter  therefore  beckoned  to 
"  him,  that  he  should  ask  whom  it  should  be  of  whom 
"  he  spake.  He  then  lying  on  Jesus'  breast,  saith  un- 
"  to  him,  Lord,  who  is  it  ?  Jesus  answered,  He  it  is 
*'  to  whom  I  shall  give  a  sop,  when  I  have  dipped  it. 
"  And  when  he  had  dipped  the  sop,  he  gave  it  to  Ju- 
*'  das  Iscariot  the  son  of  Simon.  And  after  the  sop, 
"  Satan  entered  into  him.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him, 
"  That  thou  doest,  do  quickly.  Now  no  man  at  the 
"  table  knew  for  what  intent  he  spake  this  unto  him. 
"  For  some  of  them  thought,  because  Judas  had  the 
"  bag,  that  Jesus  had  said  unto  him,  Buy  those  things 

*  The  davil  did  not  enter  into  Judas  in  substance,  but  in  operation, 
as  he  is  said  to  possess  those  who  are  fully  inclined  to  obey  his  evjl  sug- 
gestions. 

t  This  is  not  to  be  understood  as  an  encouragement  for  Judas  to 
proceed  in  his  wicked  enterprize,  but  only  as  a  declaration  of  Christ's 
readiness  to  suffer  death. 


ISi  Tur     nisi«»iM     oi 


*•  \\\A{  \\c  hrtvcnrr.lol  .•»v\:«mNt  (he  lr;\«»t  :  «>r  thnt  lu- 
**  *lu)uUl  u»>c  Honu  (l\»\«(i  iv>  \\\v  noor.  Il«"  tlu  n  havn^'. 
*»  ii>o<Mv<HTthi»  no|>,  xvcni  uuuu  (li;«(rly  v)ui  ;  uikI  it  was 

»<oU  luoro  rvplioiUy  (o  OuMwhor  «poNiK>.  The  pr- 
l«o<l>  Mul  J*  NUM,  will  \pivOily  !Uli\i\  wlun  I  ^l^;Ul  ton 

worht  i  rt«\<l  th<*ivlorv  \  \\\\\s\  \\\^\\  \\\\\\\\i\  vou,  il^iU 
my  hcrt>t^nK  V^^lhoi  l\j»»  Oo^nonMiMiu  tl  who  I  mw  In 
w*fty  >ji\u><^>ulx\uiii  mir^^oU»^  «Uho\»jj;h  ih<?ol)»hn«^u  Jews 
MiU  ^t'n^jiuUr  m<^  axonr  of  \\\c  common  ravv  of  moi 
UUx  Axv  I  1\<UA^  miuolv  Mxvl  ihc  i^lon  ol  inul  lo  uwov 
kuul>  »o  alM»  xviU  ht[>>  l\v  mir;4ck»  wu>^e  surpiiNinj; 
th,^\\  luxr  t>cru  yrt  ^ccw,  ,iuv1  by  mhcr  «\osi  imlul>iiA 
h\c  iisA<\\\^  lOxxuiV  \\\Ai  i\\<'  Mwiunm  In  \\lu«  h  \  ;\kU  In 
O'TiixY^t^  imm<HUt^Uly  Trom  hu\u  Uo  inrontt<<i  ihtm. 
lU)!i<  !\r  \\'aA  but  «  ^hoti  lin^t:^  to  *  <x u\i^i«  with  Uuin  ; 
An\l  Ows^  (avaU  U\axc  o(  ih<^m,  xx \\\\  ^\cm  tnuin ncss 
A«x<\  ,irtx\n<>n»  l)  m\  U  hncit  ilixNOipUN,  Miti  our  Lv>*\l, 
«»  \  \\A\r  u\\<\  thooUshn<*ir.<cxx«x  *ouoxx  1  iulxxrm  you 
tU^t  ux  U\<^  (xUoc  (XX  XX  hu  h  I  >hx<U  Nhovth^  3i\>^  you  c;^n> 
ttixi  iwm<\\i4irU  oht^^ax  x^Jmituucc*  hui  I  >niiily 
<'\ho«i  >  ou  »o  «^l^y  tUi«  ucxx  oonxm^n<),  ChcriNh  a 
tViutoAl  Vxxc  l\x»^  r^Ach  vxlWr>  «u<i  (h«t  xnilh  an  t  <»ix)our 
<\l'  ->  tivAl  I  hAxr   •■  s 

xox^ ,-,,.,,.  :>cthc ovUcritxiXx  \ >.  >    ...     ...>v,- 

|Nis>>xU;^U  he  f  <lku»x^^u»h<\UV*>in  th%»$c  ol'aixy  oihtr 

*H  VVrt»«  VteS'^»|>CKW*  <x<  men  ^  h«s  -    ,,;«;, v>^  tiMA  ij* 


MiiHtpf.  **  'VUvrci'nn'  when  he-  Wns  «onn  out,  Jrsuft 
•'  Htiid,  now  (H  iIm-  Son  of  nnin  fj;lorifM(l,  wnd  (iod  i» 
"  fr|.,rifi<-d  in  him.  IT  Ood  be  ^rlor  dird  in  hiin,  Ood 
'•  MhidI  !iKo  f/ldidy  hnn  in  hiniMcir,  wnd  shfdl  stiiiifwny 
'•  (rlorily  him.  Little  chddrtn,  yd  a  ItUlc  wink*  1  am 
'  with  yon.  Yc  nhidl  ncek  me  :  i\tn\  as  I  »«»hI  unto 
*'  th^.I^•w^,  Whitht  r  I  K<»,yc  cannot  com*'  ;  so  now  I 
"  say  nnto  you.  A  n(  w  comrnan  lmi:nt  i  {<ivc  unto 
you,  ih.it  yc  h)VC  one  another  ;  hh  I  have  Igved  you, 
"  th.it  yc  also  h)vr'  one  another.  JJy  this  nhall  all  men 
«'  Vii'.iv  ihat  yc  are  my  discijdcs."    lolm  xni.  31,  ttc. 

I'rU  r  now  rrqnrHted  to  l)e  inloriiifd  ol  the  |»la(je 
wh<  re  he  meant  to  retire,  since  he  harl  said,  that  hii 
npoHtlc*  would  not  be  |)ef  milted  to  follow  him.  Our 
I.'.rd  informed  him,  tluit,  althon^^h  he  could  not  he 
immediately  admitted  to  tlu-  place  whither  he  wan  j^o- 
ing,  yet  at  a  future  period  he  Hhould  enjoy  that  jjrivi. 
Ic|^r.  Upon  heinf^  anked  by  Peier  the  rcasr>n  \u  could 
nf)t  be  allowed  tf)  accompany  him,    our  Saviour  said, 

Know  that  the  evil  spirit  hath  re{jue»ted  permission 
or(iod  to  make  a  srvrc  trial  of  thy  laifh  and  constan- 
(  y  :  but  I  have  supplicated  my  heavenly  I'ather,  not 
to  suffer  thy  faith  to  be  subdued  ;  and  I  now  enjoin 
thee,  that  when  thy  fidelity  shall  be  established,  thou 
flh:ilt,  by  thy  example,  f;on(inn  thy  brethr'  n  in  tlu'ir 
allegiance  to  me.  Displeased  ar  beinj^  deemed  the 
weakest  of  the  apostles,  on  whom  the  pr^ver  of  Satan 
would  most  HiicccKsfully  o|>erate,  I'etcr  declared,  that 

(liK<>i|>lrA  ^h^li  !)r  kuowri  by  thrir  niiirrrp  nffrrtioD  for  each  other  j  n  vir- 
^      tur  no  miith  Mi'tivated  in  thr  j>nin)tivc  ages,  that  it  excited  at  once  the 
Uitrcd  and  admiration  of  tlir  hruthrnti. 

•   f  frnrr  «/ood  m-n  flrrivr  th^  romforfahl'-  unmtrunr^.,  that  Sjitun  h;m 

not  p.,  v^r,  fithrr  to  trrnpt  or  alTIi'  t  fhTn,  without  the  divm'-  p'rmi*- 

Mi  ;  ,in(|  >vr  Hrr  ut  the  »»urnc  tim<r  iri«tru(,ted,  that  if  is  the  duty  of  tli'>«€ 

■  i'>  inve  rrpriitrd  of  thcirBuin,  to  (/xiimAcrate  the  lull  of  others,  and  t/> 

■  '•  K'lhntous  fitf  thfir  ronftf mation  in  faith. 

roL.   It.  X 


186  THE    HISTORY    OF 

neither  the  terrors  of  imprisonment,  nor  the  pains  of 
a  violent  death,  were  sufficient  to  induce  him  to  retract 
his  resolution  of  sharing  the  fortune  of  so  kind  a 
Iricnd,  so  dear  a  Master,  so  wise  a  Guide,  and  so 
profitable  a  Teacher.  But  in  reply,  our  Saviour  told 
him,  that  notwithstanding  the  confidence  he  had  in 
his  own  strength,  the  cock  should  not  be  heard  to 
crow  that  day,  till  he  had  thrice  disowned  his  Master. 
*'  And  the  Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  behold,  Satan 
*'  hath  desired  to  have  you,  that  he  may  sift  you  as 
"  wheat ;  but  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith 
*' fail  not  :  and  when  thou  art  converted,  strengthen 
"  thy  brethren.  And  he  said  unto  him,  Lord,  I  am 
*'  ready  to  go  with  thee  both  into  prison,  and  to  death. 
"  And  he  said,  I  tell  thee  Peter,  the  cock  shall  not 
*'  crow  this  day,  before  that  thou  shalt  thrice  deny 
*'  that  thou  knowest  me."  Luke  xxii.  31,  &c. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  having  concluded  M'hat  he  had 
to  communicate  to  Peter  in  particular,  addressed  him- 
self to  his  other  disciples,  reminding  them,  that  when 
he  first  commanded  them  to  separate  themselves,  and 
travel  into  different  parts  to  preach  his  gospel,  he  di- 
rected them  not  to  be  solicitous  as  to  providing  them- 
selves with  the  means  of  subsistence,  or  weapons  for 
the  defence  of  their  persons  ;  assuring  them,  that  if 
they  firmly  relied  on  the  assistance  of  divine  Provi- 
dence, they  would  be  amply  supplied  with  whatever 
their  necessities  should  require,  by  those  persons 
whom  the  Almighty,  in  every  place  they  should  visit, 
would  graciously  dispose  to  behave  towards  them 
with  friendship  and  benevolence. 

He  observed,  that  their  ministry  had  proved  suc- 
cessful; and  enquired,  whether,  during  their  stvcial 
journies,  they  had  been  involved  in  circumstances  of 
distress,  or  deficient  of  provisions,  or  other  necessa- 
ries.   Upon  their  replying  in  the  negative,  our  blessed 


OUK    BLESSED    SAVIOUU.  187 

Redeemer  said,  the  case  was  now  widely  different,  for 
the  number  of  their  enemies  was  greatly  niereased ; 
and  therefore  they  would  fnid  it  necessary  to  be  pro- 
vided with  money,  as  the  means  of  procuring  sub- 
sistence ;  and  that  rather  than  be  destitute  of  wea- 
pons for  the  defence  of  their  persons,  it  would  be  pru- 
dent for  them,  even  to  sell  their  garments  for  the  pur- 
pose of  purchasing  swords. 

Our  Lord  now  informed  his  apostles,  that  he  had 
so  nearly  accomplished  the  important  purpose  for 
which  he  came  into  the  world,  that  when,  according 
to  what  he  had  been  foretold  by  the  *  prophet,  he 
should  submit  to  be  treated  as  a  criminal,  the  whole 
dispensation  of  Providence,  with  respect  to  him, 
would  be  completed. 

Interpreting  his  words,  according  to  the  literal 
sense,  the  apostles  informed  their  Master,  that  they 
were  possessed  of  two  swords.  But  our  Lord  judg- 
ed it  unnecessary  to  explain  himself,  knowing  that 
at  a  future  period  they  would  fully  comprehend  his 
meaning,  and  bemg  unwilling  to  dwell  longer  upon 
this  subject,  but  desirous  of  affording  consolation  to 
his  apostles,  whom  he  now  perceived  to  be  extremely 
afflicted  and  melancholy. 

The  apostles  informed  Jesus  that  they  had  two 
swords,  because  they  supposed  he  meant,  that  they 
should  arm  themselves  in  a  literal  sense,  in  order  to 
oppose  the  assaults  that  would  be  made  upon  them  by 
the  Jews  :  but  he  merely  intended  to  convey  to  them 
an  idea  of  their  approaching  distress  and  temptations, 
and  to  shew  them  the  necessity  of  continually  guard- 
ing themselves  against  being  surprised  into  danger  by 
craft  and  treachery  ;  and   therefore  he  only  said  to 

*  Isa.  liii.  X2. 


188  THE    HISTORY    Ot 

them,  **  It  is  enough;"  thereby  signifying,  that  it 
would  be  needless  to  concern  themselves  on  the  sub- 
ject of  providing  arms  for  the  defence  of  their  per- 
sons. **  And  he  said  unto  them,  When  1  sent  you 
"uithoui  purse  and  scrip,  and  shoes,  lacked  ye 
•'  any  thing  ?  And  they  said,  Nothing.  Then  said 
**  he  unto  them,  But  now  he  that  hath  a  purse,  let 
*'  him  lake  it,  and  likewise  his  scrip  :  and  he  that 
**  haih  no  sword,  let  him  sell  his  garment  and  buy 
*'  one.  For  I  say  unto  you,  that  this  that  is  written 
*'  must  yet  be  accomplished  in  me.  And  he  was  reck- 
*'  oned  among  the  transgressors.  For  the  things  con- 
*'  cerning  me  have  an  end.  And  they  said.  Lord, 
*'  behold,  there  are  two  swords.  And  he  said  unto 
"  them.  It  is  enough."  Luke  xxii.   35,   &cc. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  now  exhorted  his  apostles 
against  being  terrified  and  disconsolate,  on  account  of 
his  having  informed  them  of  the  sufferings  he  was  to 
endure,  and  that  they  would  for  a  time  be  deprived  of 
his  company.  You  have  ever  been  taught,  said  Je- 
sus, to  repose  a  firm  reliance  on  the  Almighty,  who 
will  yield  you  assistance  and  support  in  all  your  afflic- 
tions ;  and  since  I  am  invested  with  full  power  by 
my  heavenly  Father,  and  am  the  head  of  my  church, 
it  behoves  you  to  trust  in  me  for  the  full  accomplish- 
ment of  all  that  I  have  promised.  The  blessed  re- 
gions wherein  my  Father  reigns,  are  more  than  suf- 
ficiently *  spacious  to  accommodate  all  true  believers 
in  my  gospel  ;  and  if  you  persist  in  a  strict  obedience 
to  my  commands,  neither  persecution,  death,  nor  any 
other  circumstance,  shall  prevent  your  obtaining  that 
happiness  which  1  have  proposed  to  your  acceptance. 


•  "  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions."  The  Jews  are  of 
opinion  that  parad  se  contains  seven  mansions,  each  be"'ng  twelve  thou- 
sand miles  in  length,  ten  thousiin^  broad,  and  ten  thousand  iu  height. 


OUIl    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  189 

It  also  behoves  you  patiently  to  submit  to  rny  de- 
parture from  you,  since  I  shall  leave  you  to  ■\  prepare 
a  place  of  happiness  for  your  reception,  to  which  I 
shall  introduce  you  when  the  lime  aj)pointed  by  the 
divine  wisdom  shall  arrive  ;  and  in  those  regions  of 
bliss,  you  shall  remain  with  me  in  a  glorious  state  of 
immortality. 

You  cannot  now  surely,  be  ignorant  of  the  place  of 
my  destination,  nor  of  the  meaiis  whereby  you  may 
qualify  yourselves  to  participate  with  me  in  the  bles- 
sings of  the  kingdom  of  my  heavenly  Father.  '*  Let 
"not  your  hearts  be  troubled:  ye  believe  in  God, 
"  believe  also  in  me.  In  my  Fadier's  house  are  ma- 
"  ny  mansions  :  if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  have  told 
"  you.  1  go  to  prepare  a  p^ice  for  you.  And  if .  I 
''  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again, 
"  and  receive  you  unto  myself;  that  where  I  am,  there 
*'  ye  may  be  also.  And  whither  I  go,  yc  know,  and 
*'  the  way  ye  know."  John  xiv.   1,  &c. 

The  disciples  of  our  Lord,  however,  still  enter- 
tained an  idea  that  their  Master  was  to  reign  in  the 
character  of  a  temporal  prince,  and  therefore  hoped 
to  enjoy  honors  and  riches  under  his  government.— 
Thomas  said,  that  neither  he  nor  his  brethren  were 
able  to  comprehend  whither  their  beloved  Master 
meant  to  retire,  and  that  consequently  they  must  be 
ignorant  of  the  way  to  follow  him.  Hereupon  our 
blessed  Redeemer  replied,  I  am  myself,  as  I  have  re- 
peatedly informed  you,  the  true  and  only  way  to  eter- 
nal life.  No  man  truly  knoweth  me,  who  is  igno- 
rant of  my  Father  ;  for  my  Father  and  I  arc  one.  If 
you  have  a  just  conception  of  my  doctrines,  you  must 
know  the  duties  which  my  Father  expects  you  to  dis- 

t  By  tlie  entrance  of  Chri  t  into  lieaven,  he  procured  for  us  admit- 
tiiice  to  a  place  which  Wiis  before  inaccessible. 


190  THE    HISTORY    OF 

charge  ;  and  in  having  seen  me,  you  may  be  consi- 
dered as  having  seen  him,  whose  will  I  proclaim,  and 
whose  works  I  execute. 

Thomas  replied,  Lord,  shew  us  the  Father,  and 
we  will  decline  all  further  importunity.  Have  you, 
said  our  blessed  Saviour,  been  so  long,  and  so  con- 
stantly my  companions,  and  still  remain  ignorant  of 
my  real  character.  I  am  the  representative  of  the 
heavenly  Father  of  mankind,  the  great  Creator  and 
Governor  of  the  universe,  who  is  himself,  indeed, 
invisible  :  but  I  tell  you,  Philip,  that  truly  to  know 
one,  is  to  know  and  hold  spiritual  intercourse  with 
both.  Believe  me  when  I  assure  you,  that  I  act  by  the 
authority  of  the  Almighty,  and  am  acquainted  with 
his  divine  deterniinationa  :  and  that  whatever  I  speak, 
is  the  declaration  of  his  will ;  and  whatever  I  perform, 
is  the  operation  of  his  power.  If  you  sincerely  be- 
lieve in,  and  strictly  conform  to  the  precepts  of  my 
gospel  the  Almighty  will  confer  upon  you  the  power 
of  working  miracles,  even  *  greater  than  those  which 
I  have  performed,  when  I  shall  have  returned  to  my 
heavenly  Father.  And  be  assured,  that  whatever  you 
ask  of  him,  in  my  name,  shall,  on  account  of  the  me- 
rit you  derive  from  being  my  disciples,  be  granted 
to  you.  "  Thomas  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  we  knovir 
'*  not  whither  thou  goest ;  and  how  can  we  know  the 
"  way  ?  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  and  the 
"  truth,  and  the  life.  No  man  cometh  unto  the  Fa- 
*'  ther,  but  by  me.  If  ye  had  known  me,  yc  should 
"  have  known  my  Father  also  :  and  from  henceforth 
*'  ye  know  him,  and  have  seen  him.  Philip  saith 
*'  unto  him,  Lord,  shew  us  the  Father,  audit  suffic- 
'*  eth  us.  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Have  I  been  so  long 
"  time  with  you,  and   yet  hast  thou  not   known   me, 

*  7'his  seems  principall}-  to  refer  to  the  admirable  success  of  »he  gos- 
pel preached  by  the  apostles,  after  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  191 

**  Philip  ?  He  that  hath  seen  me,  hath  seen  the  Fa- 
"  ther;  and  how  sayest  thou  then,  Shew  us  the  Fa- 
"  ther?  Believest  thou  not  that  I  am  in  the  Father, 
"  and  the  Father  in  me  ?  The  words  that  I  speak  unto 
*'  thee,  I  s.jeak  not  of  myself:  but  the  Father,  that 
"  dwelleth  in  me,  he  doeth  the  works.  Believe  mc 
*'  that  I  am  in  the  Father,  and  the  Father  in  me  : 
*'  or  else  believe  me  for  the  very  works  sake.  Veri- 
"  ly,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  He  that  believeth  on  me, 
"  the  works  that  I  do,  shall  he  do  also  ;  and  greater 
*'  works  than  these  shall  he  do  ;  because  I  go  unto 
"  my  Father.  And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my 
"  name,  that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father  may  be  glo- 
*'  rihed  in  the  Son.  If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my 
"  name,  I  will  do  it."     John  xiv.   5,  See. 

O  my  beloved  disciples,  if  you  entertain  a  sincere 
and  ardent  affection  for  me,  you  will  punctually  con- 
form to  the  rules  i  have  prescribed  for  the  regulation 
of  your  conduct,  your  obedience  being  the  only  cer- 
tain token  of  your  esteem.  Upon  my  return  to  the 
blessed  kingdom  of  my  heavenly  Father,  you  shall 
receive  sufficient  pledges  of  my  affectionate  remem- 
brance of  you  ;  for  I  shall  supplicate  him  to  bestow  up- 
on you  the  power  not  only  of  healing  diseases,  giving 
sight  to  the  blind,  casting  out  evil  spirits,  but  even 
of  performing  more  astonishing  miracles  than  those 
1  have  wrought ;  and  in  compliance  with  my  prayers, 
you  will,  by  an  intuitive  faculty,  be  endued  with  the 
power  of  understanding  and  speaking  all  languages, 
and  of  successfully  propagating  my  gospel  through 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth.  O  my  beloved  disciples, 
when  I  shall  have  ascended  into  the  mansions  of 
my  heavenly  Father,  that  you  may  have  the  less  cause 
to  regret  my  departure,  I  will  supplicate  him  graci- 
ously to  provide  against  the  inconveniencies  which 
you  may  apprehend  from  my  absence,  by  sending 
you  another  Advocate  and  Comforter,  who  shall  di- 


192  THE    HISTORY    OF 

rect  and  assist  you  in  all  your  emergencies.  This 
inl'allible  guide  is  the  Holy  Spirit;  of  uho^e  trans- 
cendent perfections  the  corrupt  part  of  mankind  are 
entirely  ignorant ;  the  abandoned  profligacy ,  and  vile 
corruption  of  their  hearts,  prompting  them  to  op- 
pose those  divine  sensations,  which  he  is  ever  dii^pos- 
ed  to  transfuse  into  the  souls  of  the  sons  of  sinful 
men  :  but  you  are  inspired  by,  and  inclined  to  che- 
rish and  entenain  this  Holy  Spirit ;  and  therefore  he 
shall  for  ever  remain  with  you.  You  are  already 
possessed  of  his  secret  and  invisible  efficacy  ;  and 
be  assured,  that  hereafter  he  shall  gloriously  display 
himself  to  you  by  great  and  vi-sible  manifestations. 
*'  If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments.  And  I 
"  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  ano- 
**  ther  Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with  you  forever; 
**  even  the  Spirit  of  truth,  whom  the  world  cannot 
*'  receive,  because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither  knoweth 
"  him  :  but  ye  know  him  ;  for  he  dwelleth  with  you, 
"and  shall  be  in  you."     John  xiv.    15,  16,  17. 

But,  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  I  w  ill  not  leave  you  in 
a  state  of  despondency  ;  for  upon  my  departure  from 
you,  you  will  have  the  consolation  to  reflect,  that  you 
will  receive  assistance  and  support  from  the  Holy 
Spirit;  and,  that  your  constancy  and  fortitude  may 
not  relax,  be  assured  that  I  shall  return  to  you. — 
After  my  body  shall  be  consigned  to  the  grave,  the 
generality  of  mankind  will  behold  me  no  more  :  but 
I  shall  be  restored  to  life,  and  again  become  visible 
to  you  ;  who  will  then  be  convinced,  by  the  most  in- 
dubitable evidence,  that  I  am  intimately  conversant 
in  all  the  great  purposes  and  determinations  of  my 
heavenly  Father  ;  with  whom  you  shall  be  assured, 
that  I  am  in  a  state  of  the  most  perfect  unity  and 
communion,  I  must,  however  inform  yon,  that  it 
will  be  needless  for  you  to  expect  the  enjoyments  of 
those  blessings  which  I  have  proposed   to  your  ac 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  193 

ceptance,  unless  you  continue  stedfast  and  immovea- 
ble in  your  faith  to  me,  and  in  your  obedience  to  all 
my  commands  ;  for  unless  you  strictly  comply  with 
this  condition,  all  your  hopes  of  future  happiness  will 
prove  abortive.  "  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless  : 
*'  I  will  come  to  you.  Yet  a  little  while,  and  the 
"  world  seeth  me  no  more  :  but  ye  shall  see  me  :  be- 
"  cause  I  live,  ye  shall  live  also.  And  that  day  ye 
*'  shall  know  that  I  am  in  my  Father,  and  you  in  me, 
"  and  I  in  you.  He  that  hath  my  commandments, 
*'  and  keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me  ;  and  he 
^'  that  loveth  me,  shall  be  loved  of  my  Father,  and  I 
''  will  love  him,  and  will  manifest  myself  to  him." 
Johnxiv.   18,  he. 

Our  Saviour  was  now  interrupted  by  one  of  his 
apostles  named  Judas  Thaddeus,  who  asked  him  the 
reason  whereby  he  was  induced  to  manifest  himself 
only  to  his  select  disciples,  and  not  to  the  promiscu- 
ous multitude ;  who  might  by  his  public  avowal  of 
his  sacred  character,  be  reclaimed  and  converted. — 
Hereupon  our  Saviour  replied,  As  I  have  already  in- 
formed you,  I  act  in  this  manner,  because  the  gene- 
rality of  mankind  are  not  disposed  to  obey  my  com- 
mands, and  therefore  cannot  maintain  a  communion 
with  me  :  but  I  manifest  myself  to  you,  because  you 
embrace  my  gospel.  Whoever  loves  me,  and  de- 
monstrates his  love  of  me  by  his  obedience  to  my 
commands  shall  be  rewarded  with  signal  instances  of 
the  favor  both  of  my  Father  and  myself  ;  for  he  shall 
abound  in  spiritual  blessings,  and  become  an  inhabi- 
tant of  the  happy  regions  of  endless  bliss.  But  those 
who  love  me  not,  and  refuse  to  obey  my  commands, 
shall  have  no  intercourse  either  with  me,  or  my  hea- 
venly Father.  The  doctrine  I  preach  is  not  of  my 
own  invention,  but  what  my  Father  has  commanded 

VOL.     II.  2  a 


194  THE  HISTORY    OF 

me  to  proclaim.  The  *  Holy  Spirit,  whom  as  I  have 
already  informed  you,  the  Father  will  send  in  my 
name  to  comfort  and  assist  you,  is  as  it  were  my  spi- 
rit, and  will  therefore  be  called  the  spirit  of  the  Mes- 
siah ;  and  this  Holy  Spirit  and  Divine  Comforter, 
shall  recall  to  your  recollection  such  parts  of  your 
duty  as  may  have  escaped  your  m^emory,  instruct  you 
in  points  wherein  you  may  be  deficient,  fully  explain 
whatever  may  appear  obscure  in  my  gospel,  and  com- 
municate to  you  whatever  shall  be  further  necessary 
for  you  to  understand.  "  *'  Judas  saith  unto  him,  not 
*'  Iscariot,  Lord,  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest 
"  thyself  unto  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ?  Jesus  an- 
"  svvered,  and  said  unto  him,  If  a  man  love  me,  he 
*'  will  keep  my  vv'ords  :  and  my  Father  will  love  him, 
*'  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and  make  our  abode 
"  with  him.  He  that  loveth  me  not,  kecpeth  not  my 
**  sayings  :  and  the  Vv'ord  which  ye  hear,  is  not  mine, 
"  but  the  Father's  which  sent  me.  These  things  have 
"  I  spoken  unto  you,  being  yet  present  with  you. — 
**  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom 
*'  the  Father  will  send  in  my  namie,  he  shall  teach 
"  you  all  things,  ai^d  bring  all  things  to  your  remem- 
*'  brance,  whatsoever  I  have  said  unto  you.'*  John 
xiv.  22,  &c. 

The  time  of  my  sufferings  now  approaches,  and 
therefore,  said  our  blessed  Saviour,  I  must  now  af- 
fectionately take  a  farewell  of  you  :  but  I  do  not  take 
leave  of  you  according  to  the  common  custom  of  the 
generality  of  mankind,  who  only  affect  the  appear- 
ance of  friendship  and  kindness  ;  for  after  my  depar- 
ture, I  shall  retain  a  tender  recollection  of  you,  and 
be  unremittingly  careful  to  promote  your  safety   and 

*  The  Hoi}'  Spirit  proceeds  iVom  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  is 
therefore  stiled,  "  The  Spirit  of  the  Son."  Gal.  iv.  6.  "  the  Spirit 
ofChfjst,"  I  Pet.  i.  2.  Roin.  viii.  9.  and  "  the  Spirit  of  the  Father," 
Matt.  X.   20. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  19-^ 

liappiness.  Be  not  alHicicd  on  occasion  of  my  depar- 
ture, nor  dread  to  encounter  those  evils  to  which  you 
will  necessarily  be  exposed.  Although  I  shall  short- 
ly leave  you,  rest  firmly  assured  that  you  will  behold 
me  again.  If  you  love  me  with  sincerity  and  truth 
of  affection,  instead  of  lamenting  my  absence,  \  ou 
will  rejoice  to  reflect,  that  I  am  preparing  to  go' into 
the  presence  of  my  heavenly  Father,  since  he  is  supe- 
rior to  me  in  dignity  and  power  ;  and  since  it  is  from 
him,  who  is  the  supreme  Author  of  all  glory  and 
happiness,  that  I  derive  all  my  authority. 

These  things  I  now  predict  to  you,  because  when 
you  shall  be  witnesses  of  their  full  accomplishment, 
your  faith  in  me  may  be  strengthened  and  confirmed. 
Since  the  time  which  I  have  to  remain  with  you  will 
be  soon  elapsed,  i  must  be  under  the  necessity  of 
speaking  to  you  in  brief;  but  though  my  directions  are 
delivered  to  you  in  a  concise  manner,  they  are  not, 
on  that  account,  to  claim  a  slighter  share  of  your  at- 
tention. The  prince  of  wickedness  is  now  employ- 
ing all  his  instruments  for  effecting  my  destruction; 
and  *  those  who  are  instigated  by  his  spirit,  shall  by 
the  divine  permission,  assume  the  appearance  of 
friendship  for  me  :  but  this  shall  not  happen  because 
I  have  been  guilty  of  any  crime,  or  because  it  is  pos- 
sible for  the  power  either  of  the  devil,  or  the  malice 
of  man,  to  prevail  over  me,  but  because  the  time 
will  be  then  arrived,  when  I  shall,  by  submitting  to  a 
painful  and  ignominious  death,  manifest  the  greatness 
of  my  affection  to  God,  and  my  cheerful  resignation 
to  his  divine  will.  Now  let  us  arise,  said  the  blessed' 
Jesus,  and  retire  from  the  city. 

Having  spoken  in  the  above  manner,  our  great  Re- 

*  JiicJ'is  and  his  followers,  and  the  rulers  of  the  Jews,  who  although 
they  shall  find  no  guilt  in  me,  yet  shall  they  put  me  to  death. 


196  THE    HISTORY    OF 

deemer  was  joined  by  his  apostles,  in  chanting  forth  a 
hymn  magnifying  the  name  of  God  ;  and  having  thus 
conchided  the  passover,  they  repaired  to  the  Mount 
of  Olives.  "  Peace  I  leave  w^ith  you  ;  my  peace  I 
*'  give  unto  you  ;  not  as  the  vi'orid  giveth,  give  I 
"  unto  you.  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  nei- 
*'  ther  let  it  be  afraid.  Ye  have  heard  how  I 
"  said  unto  you,  I  go  away  and  come  again  unto 
"  you.  If  ye  loved  me,  ye  would  rejoice  because  I 
•*  said,  I  go  to  the  Father,  for  my  Father  is  greater 
*'  than  I.  And  now  I  have  told  you  before  it  come 
"  to  pass,  that  when  it  is  come  to  pass,  ye  might  be- 
*'  lieve.  Hereafter  I  will  not  talk  much  with  you « 
"  for  the  prince  of  this  world  cometh,  and  hath  no- 
*'  thing  in  me.  But  that  the  world  may  know  that  I 
*'  love  the  Father ;  and  as  the  Father  gave  me  com- 
"  mandment,  even  so  I  do.  Arise,  let  us  go  hence.'* 
John  xiv.  27,  &c. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUIl.  197 


CHAP.  XXXVI. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  delivers  the  parable  of  the  vine 
and  its  branches^  thereby  recommending  the  prac- 
tice of  virtue  to  his  apostles.  He  exhorts  them  to 
cherish  a  mutual  affection  towards  each  other, 
Jesus  proposes  himself  y  as  an  example  for  teaching 
them  the  virtue  of  patiently  submitting  to  the  ma- 
lice of  their  enemies ,  and  informs  them  of  the  reason 
of  his  exhortation.  He  consoles  them  with  assur- 
ances of  the  mission  of  the  Holy  Ghost  ;  and  ex- 
plains  to  them  the  purposes  for  which  the  Spirit 
will  descend  upon  them.  Of  the  affliction  vohich 
the  apostles  were  to  experience  upon  the  decease  of 
eur  Saviour^  and  the  great  joy  that  would  succeed 
on  occasion  of  his  resurrection.  He  exhorts  his 
apostles  to  pray  to  God  in  his  name.  He  again 
mentions  his  going  to  the  Father^  and  predicts  the 
desertion  of  the  apostles.  Our  blessed  Saviour  ad- 
dresses himself  in  prayer  to  his  heavenly  Father  in 
behalf  of  himself^  his  apostles y  and  all  who  should 
in  future  believe  in  him, 

U  PON  the  arrival  of  our  blessed  Saviour  and  his 
apostles  at  the  Mount  of  Olives,  he  intimated  to  them, 
that  some  events  were  approaching  which  vi^ould  re- 
quire the  utmost  exertions  of  their  fortitude;  and 
therefore  he  exhorted  them  to  fortify  their  minds  by 
prayer.  From  the  vines  which  were  growing  upon 
the  Mount  of  Olives,  our  Saviour  drew  an  allusion 
most  admirably  calculated  to  impress  upon  the  minds 
of  his  disciples  those  great  truths,  to  enforce  and 
explain  which  was  a  most  essential  part  of  his  di- 
vine commission. 


198  THE    HISTORY    OF 

I  may  be  compared,  said  the  blessed  Jesus,  to  the 
root,  or  body  of  a  vine,  of  which  you  are  the  branch- 
es ;  and  of  this  vine  my  heavenly  Father  may  be  cal- 
led the  dresser.  If  this  vine  produces  any  unfruitful 
branches,  or  if  any  profess  themselves  to  be  my  dis- 
ciples, and  yet  bring  forth  no  fruits  of  virtue,  my  Fa- 
ther will  cut  off  those  unprofitable  branches,  or  not 
admit  those  faithless  professors  to  enjoy  the  privileges 
to  which  my  true  and  righteous  disciples  will  be  en- 
titled :  but  he  will  only  prune  the  branches  which 
bear  fruit,  whereby  they  will  acquire  additional  vi- 
gor :  and  thus  the  sincere  lovers  of  truth  and  holi- 
ness, will  be  denied  some  of  the  advantages  and  con- 
veniences of  life,  thai  their  virtues  may  become  more 
extensive  and  resplendent.  But  you  who  have  for  a 
considerable  time  worchily  approved  yourselves  my 
disciples,  are  free  from  all  intemperate  p-issions,  and 
superfluous  and  vain  desires.  Be  careful  that,  in  all 
circumstances  and  situations,  you  exactly  conform  to 
my  precepts,  and  your  obedience  will  insure  to  yoii 
the  full  enjoyments  of  all  the  rewards  I  have  promis- 
ed you.  A  branch  lopped  off  from  the  body  of  the 
tree  cannot  possibly  bear  fruit ;  nor  can  you  continue 
in  the  paths  of  righteousness  and  virtue,  if  you  trans- 
gress the  rules  which  I  have  prescribed  for  the  regu- 
lation of  your  conduct. 

The  man  who  adheres  to  my  precepts,  shall  bring 
forth  the  fruits  of  virtue  in  abundance  :  but  he  who 
rejects  my  doctrines  will  resemble  a  branch,  which 
being  cut  from  the  body  of  a  tree,  must  consequently 
wither  and  decay,  and  be  only  fit  for  fuel.  Thus,  if 
you  regulate  your  conduct  according  to  my  directi- 
ons, *  whatever  you  request  of  me  shall  be  granted  : 
but  those  who  disobey  my  commands,  shall  be  con- 

*  Whatever  you  request  according  to  the  will  of  God,  for  the  pro- 
motion of  his  glory,  and  the  furtherance  of  your  ministry,  provided  that 
you  ask  in  faith. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  199 

dcmncd  to  everlasting  torments.  '*  I  am  the  true  vine, 
"  and  my  Father  is  the  husbandman.  Every  branch 
*'  in  me  that  beareth  not  fruit  he  taketh  away  :  and 
"  every  branch  that  beareth  fruit,  he  purgeth  it,  that 
"  it  may  bring  forth  more  fruit.  Now  you  are  clean 
**  through  the  word  which  I  have  spoken  unto  you. 
"  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch  cannot 
*'  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine  ;  no 
«'  more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me.  I  am  the  vine 
*'  ye  are  the  branches.  He  that  abideth  in  me,  and 
<'  I  in  him,  the  same  bringeth  forth  much  fruit ;  for 
**  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  If  a  man  abide  not 
"  in  me,  he  is  cast  forth  as  a  branch,  and  is  wither- 
"  cd,  and  men  gather  them,  and  cast  them  into  the 
**  fire,  and  they  are  burned.  If  ye  abide  in  me,  and 
"  my  words  abide  in  you,  ye  shall  ask  what  ye  will, 
♦'  and  it  shall  be  done  unto  you.  Herein  is  my  Fa- 
"  ther  glorified,  that  ye  bear  much  fruit."  John  xv. 
1,  &c. 

As  my  Father  has  loved  me,  so  will  I  continue  to 
love  you,  unless  you  render  yourselves  unworthy  my 
esteem  by  disobeying  my  commands;  for  my  hea- 
venly Father  has  loved  me,  because  I  have  ever  f 
obeyed  his  commandments  with  the  most  exact  fide- 
lity. I  am  desirous  that  the  comfort  you  have  deriv- 
ed from  my  presence,  may  be  continued  to  you  after 
my  departure  ;  and  therefore  I  particularly  enjoin  you 
to  love  one  another,  with  that  ardor  of  affection 
which  I  have  manifested  tow^ards  you.  My  love  of 
mankind  induces  me  to  sacrifice  my  life  for  their  be- 
nefit ;  and  since  I  propose  myself  to  you  as  an  ex- 
ample, you  cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  nature  of  that 
pure  and  genuine  esteem  which  I  recommend  you  to 

t  Thnugli  truly  God,  our  blessed  Saviour  may  with  great  propriety 
be  said  to  have  kept  his  Father  s  commandments  while  he  remained  oa 
earth,  because  he  sustained  the  character  of  a  prophet,  and  acted  by  the 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 


200  THE    HISTORY    OF 

cherish  for  each  other.     In  the  circumstance  of  sur- ' 
rendering  my  life,  I  shall  afford  the  most  incontesti- 
ble  demonstration  of  the  sincerity  of  my  love  of  you, 
and  of  all  mankind. 

On  the  easy  condition  of  obeying  my  commands,  I 
admit  you  to  the  privilege  of  my  friendship  ;  though, 
considering  how  infinitely  I  am  your  superior,  I  might 
justly  stile  you  my  servants  :  but  so  far  from  having 
reduced  you  to  a  servile  state,  I  have  ever  treated  you 
as  my  beloved  friends,  and  have  fully  and  explicitly 
communicated  to  you  the  great  :|:  purposes  and  de- 
terminations of  my  heavenly  Father,  Upon  our  first 
interviews,  you  did  not  voluntarily  acknowledge  me 
as  your  Master  :  but  on  the  contrary,  I  selected  you 
to  be  my  apostles,  and  the  ministers  of  my  gospel, 
that  you  might  proclaim  the  will  of  God  to  mankind, 
and  abundantly  produce  the  fruits  of  godliness  in  the 
conversion  of  men  to  the  knowledge  of  truth,  and 
the  profession  and  practice  of  righteousness  and  vir- 
tue, which  will  infallibly  secure  to  them  the  enjoy- 
ment of  everlasting  bliss.  "-  As  the  Father  hath  lov- 
"  ed  me,  so  have  I  loved  you  :  continue  ye  in  my 
"  love.  If  ye  keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall 
*'  abide  in  my  love  ;  even  as  I  have  kept  my  Father's 
*'  commandments,  and  abide  in  his  love.  These 
*'  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you  that  my  joy  might 
"  remain  in  you,  and  that  your  joy  might  be  full. — 
"  This  is  my  commandment,  That  ye  love  one  ano- 
"  ther  as  I  have  loved  you.  Greater  love  hath  no  man 
"  than  this,  that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friends. 
"  Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye   do  whatsoever,  I  com- 

X  This  is  not  to  be  absolutely  understood,  as  comprising  all  the  pur- 
poses and  determinations  of  God  ;  for  they  would  not  hear  of  the  cessa- 
tion of  the  law,  circumcision  and  the  sabbath,  and  of  the  casting  off  of 
the  Jews,  and  caliirt^  in  of  the  Gentiles,  without  offence  ;  but  all  mat- 
ters that  were  proper  for  them  to  be  informed  of  concerning  Christ, 
themselves,  and  the  future  church. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  201 

"  mand  you.  Henceforth  I  call  you  not  servants  ; 
*'  for  the  servant  knoweth  not  what  his  Lord  doth  : 
*'  but  I  have  called  you  friends  ;  for  all  things  that 
"  I  have  heard  of  my  Father,  I  have  made  knowa 
*'  unto  you.  Ye  have  not  chosen  me,  but  1  have 
"  chosen  you,  and  ordained  you,  that  ye  should  go 
"  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  that  y(jur  fruit  should 
"  remain  ;  that  whatsoever  ye  should  ask  of  the  Fa- 
'^  ther  in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  you.  These  things 
'-'  1  command  you,  that  ye  love  one  another."  John 
XV.   9,  Sec. 

You  must  indeed  expect,  that  a  considerable  part 
of  mankind  will  hate  and  persecute  you,  on  account 
of  your  love  of  me,  and  your  adherence  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  my  gospel.  Do  not,  however,  suflfer  this 
unworthy  treatment  to  dispirit  you,  or  render  you 
less  persevering  in  the  cause  of  righteousness ;  for 
you  will  not  be  subjected  to  more  severe  sufferings, 
or  greater  indignities,  than  your  Master.  I  have  alrea- 
dy observed  to  you,  that  the  servant  is  not  to  esteem 
himself  as  being  superior  to  his  employer.  I  have 
been  treated  as  an  enemy  to  mankind,  who  will  be- 
have towards  you  with  cruelty  and  injustice  equal  to 
what  I  have  sustained.  Had  the  generality  of  men 
readily  and  cheerfully  embraced  my  gospel,  you  might 
indeed  have  had  some  reason  to  expect,  that  they 
would  hold  your  preaching  in  due  veneration  :  but 
since  I  have  sustained  great  indignities  and  persecu- 
tions from  the  wicked  and  the  perverse,  the  obstinate 
and  the  incorrigible  part  of  mankind,  because  I  re- 
proved their  vices,  and  exhorted  them  to  the  practice 
of  holiness,  it  is  reasonable  that  you  should  expect  to 
meet  with  a  similar  opposition  in  the  prosecution  of 
your  ministry. 

Amidst  all  your  sufferings,  you  will  have  the  con- 
solation  to   reflect,  that  the   righteousness   of  your 

VOL.    II.  2    B 


202  THE    HISTORY    OK 

cause,  and  the  injustice  and  malice  of  your  persecu- 
tors, will  be  rendered  more  conspicuous.  Had  I  not 
fully  explained  my  Father's  will  to  them,  they  would 
be  less  deserving  blame  ;  for  in  that  case,  they  might 
have  pleaded  want  of  information,  and  the  consequent 
impossibility  of  attaining  to  the  knowledge  of  truth  ; 
but  I  have  so  clearly  demonstrated  the  divinity  of  my 
commission,  that  not  the  slightest  excuse  can  be 
urged  in  extenuation  of  their  guilt. 

Those  who  oppose  .my  gospel,  and  persecute  you, 
on  account  of  your  proclaiming  it  to  mankind,  there- 
by inviting  them  to  provide  for  their  eternal  salvation, 
prove  themselves  to  be  the  enemies  of  God,  and  his 
holy  commandments.  Had  not  I  confirmed  the  truth 
of  my  doctrine  by  more  signal  miracles  than  had 
been  performed  before,  they  would  have  had  some 
appearance  of  excuse  for  not  relying  on  my  bare  affir- 
mation :  but  although  they  have  received  abundant 
proofs  of  my  divine  authority,  and  the  most  incon- 
testible  evidence  of  the  truth  of  my  doctrines,  they 
still  obstinately  persist  in  opposing  the  will  of  my 
heavenly  Father,  because  they  cannot,  consistently 
with  the  rules  of  duty  prescribed,  to  them,  yield  gra- 
tification to  their  abominable  lusts.  Hence  then,  it 
is  evident,  that  by  their  obstinate  and  contumacious 
disobedience  to  my  commands,  they  dishonor  God, 
and  expose  themselves  to  the  dreadful  effects  of  his 
displeasure.  When  men  have  surrendered  them- 
selves to  the  government  of  worldly  affections  and  pas- 
sions, it  is  not  surprising  that  they  act  in  contradiction 
to  the  strongest  evidence  of  reason  ;  for  this  is  but 
the  natural  consequence  of  obstinate  and  habitual 
wickedness,  whereby  is  fulfilled  what  the  holy  David 
complained  of  when  he  said,  the  Jews  hated  him 
without  cause. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  opposition  of  sinful  men 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  203 

to  my  gospel,  there  will  be  many  who  will  heartily 
espouse,  and  resolutely  promote  my  doctrines.  That 
Holy  Spirit  who  will  be  sent  from  heaven  to  comfort 
and  support  you,  shall  with  wonderful  efficacy  bear 
indubitable  testimony  to  the  truth  of  the  divinity  of 
my  mission,  and  cause  my  gospel  to  be  successfully 
proclaimed  throughout  the  universe  :  and  you  also, 
who  are  not  even  yet  entirely  divested  of  doubts  and 
apprehensions,  although  you  have  so  long  remained 
with  me,  and  been  witnesses  to  my  divine  power 
and  authority,  shall  then  bear  ample  testimony  in 
my  behalf.  "  If  the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that 
**  it  hated  me  before  it  hated  you.  If  ye  were  of  the 
*'  world,  the  world  would  love  his  own  :  but  because 
**  ye  are  not  of  the  world,  but  I  have  chosen  you 
'*  out  of  the  world,  therefore  the  world  hateth  you. 
"  Remember  the  word  that  I  said  unto  you,  The  ser- 
"  vant  is  not  greater  than  his  lord.  If  they  have 
"  persecuted  me,  they  will  also  persecute  you  :  if  they 
**  have  kept  my  saying,  they  will  keep  your's  also. 
*'  But  all  these  things  will  they  do  unto  you  for  my 
"  name's  sake,  because  they  know  not  him  that  sent 
"  me.  If  I  had  not  come,  and  spoken  unto  them, 
*'  they  had  not  had  sin  :  but  now  they  have  no  cloke 
"  for  their  sin.  He  that  hateth  me,  hateth  my  Fa- 
*'  ther  also.  If  I  had  not  done  among  them  the  works 
*'  which  none  other  man  did,  they  had  not  had  sin  :  but 
*'  now  have  they  both  seen  and  hated  both  me  and  my 
"  Father.  But  this  cometh  to  pass,  that  the  word 
"  might  be  fulfilled  that  is  written  in  their  law.  They 
"  hated  me  without  cause.  But  when  the  Comforter 
"  is  come,  whom  I  will  send  you  from  the  Father,  he 
"  shall  testify  of  me  :  and  ye  shall  also  bear  witness, 
"  because  ye  have  been  with  me  from  the  begin- 
"  ning."  John  xv.  18,   &c. 

I  thus  forewarn   you  of  the  persecution  you    will 
experience,   in  order  that  you   may  so  fortify  your 


20-1  THE    HISTORY    OF 

minds,  as  not  to  be  discouraged  from  persevering  in 
the  punctual  discharge  of  your  duty.  You  must  ex- 
pect to  be  treated  with  great  severity  by  the  chief 
priests  and  the  rulers  of  the  Jews,  who  are  men  of 
the  most  extravagant  hypocrisy  and  superstition,  and 
the  most  strenuous  advocates  for  their  ceremonial 
and  ritual  traditions  ;  but  wholly  regardless  of  the  will 
of  Omnipotence  in  matters  of  great  and  eternal  obli- 
gation, and  invincibly  prejudiced  against  the  holiness 
and  purity  of  my  gospel  :  these  men  will  *  excom- 
municate you  from  their  societies,  upbraiding  you  as 
the  most  iniquitous  malefactors.  To  such  excess 
will  their  malice  and  superstition  arrive,  that  they 
will  f  put  you  to  death  with  circumstances  of  the  most 
horrid  cruelty,  and  even  imagine  that  they  arc  there- 
by rendering  an  acceptable  service  to  the  Almighty, 
Thus  will  they  act,  in  consequence  of  their  refusal 
of  those  benevolent  offers  which  I  have  made  to  them, 
by  the  command  of  my  heavenl)^  Father.  I  have  hi- 
therto omitted  to  inform  3^ou  of  the  troubles  in  which 
you  will  be  involved,  and  the  sufferings  that  will  be 
inflicted  upon  you,  because,  being  present,  I  could 
upon  all  occasion  relieve  you  in  your  necessities,  and 
regulate  your  conduct  by  salutary  advice  and  direc- 
tions. But  as  I  am  now  preparing  for  my  departure, 
I  deem  it  expedient  to  remind  you  of  the  gracious 
promises  I  have  made  you,  in  order  so  to  fortify  your 
minds,   that  you  may  courageously  encounter  those 


*  The  Jewish  synagogues  were  not  dedicated  wholly  to  public  wor- 
ship ;  for  punishments  were  there  inflicted  upon  offenders  against  the 
law,  sometimes  by  scourgin*^,  sind  at  other  times  by  removing  the  par- 
ties accused,  four  feet  from  the  rest  of  ttte  people.  Such  as  were  not 
reformed  by  these  means,  weve  pubhcly  cited,  and  expelled  the  com- 
munion of  the  church. 

f  Agreeably  to  th's  prediction,  .Justin  Martyr  says,  that  the  Jews 
disgraced  and  execrated  the  ('hristians  in  the  synr.gogus,  and  cruelly 
inurdered  them  whenever  opportunities  occurred. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  205 

cruel    persecutions  wliich  you  will  receive  from  the 
obstinate  and  incorrigible  Jews. 

But  though  I  have  informed  you,  that  I  shall  spee- 
dily leave  you,  in  order  to  return  to  the  blessed 
mansions  of  my  heavenly  Father,  you  do  not  appear 
to  be  so  earnestly  solicitous  to  -learn  the  particulars 
concerning  the  place  of  my  destination,  as  the  im- 
portance of  the  matter  I  have  proposed  to  your 
consideration  evidcn'ly  demands.  "  These  things 
"  have  1  spoken  unto  you  that  ye  should  not  be  of. 
**  fended.  They  shall  put  you  out  of  the  synagogues  : 
*'  yea,  the  time  cometh,  that  whosoever  kilieth  you 
"  shall  think  that  he  doeth  God  service.  And  these 
*'  things  will  they  do  unto  you,  because  they  have 
*'  not  known  my  Father  nor  me.  But  these  things 
"  have  I  told  you,  that  when  the  time  shall  come,  ye 
"  may  remember  that  I  told  you  of  them.  And 
"  these  things  I  said  not  unto  you  at  the  beginning, 
**  because  I  was  with  you.  But  now  I  go  my  way 
"  to  him  that  sent  me  ;  and  none  of  you  asketh  me, 
"  Whither  goest  thou  ?"  John  xvi.   1,  &.c. 

I  perceive  that  you  are  afflicted  by  what  I  have 
said  concerning  my  departure,  and  the  temptations 
and  miseries  to  which  you  will  be  exposed  in  my 
absence  ;  and  that  you  disregard  the  consolatory  part 
of  my  discourse,  whereby  you  are  apprized  of  the  de- 
scent of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  of  the  advantages  that 
will  thence  result  to  you.  Instead  of  suffering  your 
spirits  to  be  dejected  by  the  consideration  that  I  am 
about  to  leave  you,  that  circumstance  should  occasi« 
on  you  to  rejoice,  since  it  will  operate  so  essentially 
to  your  advantage. 

Such  are  the  orders  and  dispensations  of  Providence, 
that  until  I  shall  have  taken  possession  of  my  heavenly 
kingdom,  the  Holy  Spirit  cannot  be  sent  to  comfort 


206  THE    HISTORY    OF 

and  assist  you  :  but  when  I  have  ascended  the  throne 
of  heaven,  I  will  appoint  him  effectually  to  plead  your 
cause  against  your  malicious  adverbaries  ;  and,  in  de- 
spite of  all  opposition,  he  shall  cause  my  gospel  to  be 
established  in  every  quarter  of  the  globe. 

When  the  Holy  Spirit  shall  descend  upon  earth,  he 
shall  accuse  and  convict  the  Jews  of  their  obstinate 
incredulity,  and  their  cruelty  towards  me.  He  shall, 
by  wonderful  signs,  attest  and  confirm  the  truth  of  my 
gospel,  and  convince  mankind  of  their  enormous  wick- 
edness in  rejecting  those  terms  of  salvation,  which  I 
have  so  urgently  proposed  to  their  acceptance.  By 
demonstrating  my  departure  from  earth  to  be  only  a 
temporary  and  short  privation  of  the  vital  principle, 
preparatory  to  my  being  invested  with  full  power  and 
authority  both  in  heaven  and  earth,  he  shall  abundant- 
ly convince  mankind  of  the  justice  and  righteousness 
of  my  cause,  and  of  the  glorious  excellency  of  that 
dispensation  which  I  have  proclaimed  to  mankind,  for 
the  great  purpose  of  rescuing  them  from  the  dominion 
of  Satan.  This  Holy  Spirit  shall  also,  by  a  wonder- 
ful efficacy,  destroy  the  power  of  the  evil  spirit,  estab- 
lish the  pure  and  holy  doctrine  of  my  gospel  through- 
out the  world,  and  convince  mankind  of  the  power 
and  authority  which  are  delegated  to  me  for  the  pur- 
pose of  executing  vengeance  upon  those  who  have 
■wickedly  opposed  the  establishment  of  the  kingdom  of 
the  Messiah.  '^  And  because  I  have  said  these  things 
**  unto  you,  sorrow  hath  filled  your  heart.  Neverthe- 
**  less  1  v.'ill  tell  you  the  truth  :  it  is  expedient  for  you 
"  that  I  go  away  ;  for  if  I  go  not  away,  the  Comforter 
*'  will  not  come  unto  you  :  but  if  I  depart,  1  uill  send 
**  him  unto  you.  And  when  he  is  come,  he  will  re- 
"  prove  the  world  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of 
**  judgment :  of  sin,  because  they  believe  not  on  me  ; 
"  of  righteousness,  because  I  go  to  my  Father,  and  ye 


OUU    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  207 

"  sec  me  no  more  ;  of  judgment,  because  the  prince 
"  of  this  world  is  judged."     John  xvi.   6,  &c. 

As  I  have  before  observed,  "  I  *  have  yet  many 
things  to  say  unto  you  ;"  but  because  your  minds  arc 
not  sufficiently  divested  of  prejudice  to  afford  them  a 
proper  reception,  I  shall  postpone  particularizing 
thcbC  matters  :  but  by  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
1  shall  hereafter  communicate  to  you  many  important 
points,  which  are  to  be  observed  with  respect  to  the 
establishment  of  my  church.  The  Spirit  of  truth, 
that  infallible  guide,  with  which  I  have  promised  that 
you  shall  be  inspired,  shall  enlarge  your  understand- 
ings, remove  your  prejudices,  and  instruct  you  in  all 
those  divine  truths,  which  will  be  necessary  to  enable 
you  successfully  to  pursue  the  great  work  which  I 
have  commenced,  and  which  I  shall  continue  to  pro- 
secute through  the  means  of  your  ministry.  The 
Holy  Spirit  is  not  to  establish  any  new  doctrine  :  but 
as  ]  have  instructed,  and  will  continue  to  instruct  you 
in  the  name  of  my  heavenly  Father,  so  shall  the  Spirit 
fully  explain  and  illustrate  whatever  may  appear  ob- 
scure in  what  I  have  said  to  you,  and  inspire  you  with 
such  ideas  and  determinations,  as  will  effectually  tend 
to  the  establishment  of  my  church.  He  shall  mani- 
fest my  glory,  as  all  my  actions  have  tended  to  mani- 
fest the  glory  of  my  Father.  All  that  I  have  taught 
you,  1  received  from  my  Father;  and  so  all  the  in- 
structions that  you  will  receive  from  the  Spirit,  1  shall 
communicate  to  you  through  his  agency. 

I  have  said,  that  the  Spirit  shall  teach  you  what  he 
shall  receive  from  me  ;  for  receiving  from  my  Father, 
may  be   properly  said  to  be  receiving  from  me  ;   and 

*  These  words  are  by  many  supposed  to  liave  reference  to  the  abo- 
lition of  theceremonial  law,  and  the  eptublishmentof  tliedoctnncof  jus- 
tiric.ition  by  faith  alone,  Src.  which  truths  they  were  fully  informed  of 
by  the  Holy  Ghost  after  his  descent  upon  them. 


208  THE    HISTORY    OF 

teaching  his  will,  is  teaching  mine  ;  for  our  natures 
are  congenial,  and  the  Father  has  invested  me  with 
full  power  and  dominion. 

The  comfortable  assurances  which  I  have  delivered 
to  you,  will  be  sufficient  to  support  you  under  all 
your  approaching  distresses.  But  a  short  time  now 
remains,  before  I  shall  depart  from  you  :  but  suffer 
not  this  circumstance  to  afflict  you  ;  for  a  short  time 
after  my  departure,  I  shall  appear  to  you  again  ;  for 
when  I  depart  from  you  I  shall  not  perish,  but  only  re- 
turn to  my  heavenly  Father.  *'  I  have  yet  many  thmgs 
*'  to  say  unto  you,  but  ye  cannot  bear  them  now. 
"  Hovvbeit,  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he 
*'  will  guide  you  into  all  truth  :  for  he  shall  not  speak 
*'  of  himself:  but  whatsoever  he  shall  hear,  that  shall 
*'  he  speak  :  and  he  will  shew  you  things  to  come. 
"  He  shall  glorify  me  ;  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine, 
"  and  shall  shew  it  unto  3''ou.  All  things  that  the 
"  Father  hath  are  mine  :  therefore  said  I,  that  he 
"  shall  take  of  mine,  and  shall  sliew  it  unto  you.  A 
"  little  while,  and  yc  shall  not  see  me  :  and  again,  a 
*'  little  while,  and  ye  shall  see  me,  because  I  go  to 
«  the  Father."  John  xvi.  12,  &c. 

The  apostles  now  enquired  of  each  other,  what  their 
Master  could  mean  by  these  words,  which  being  una- 
ble to  comprehend,  they  were  much  troubled.  Ta 
relieve  their  perplexity,  Jesus  said  to  them,  that  the 
time  was  approaching,  when  he  should  submit  to  the 
stroke  of  death  ;  but  that  presently  afterwards,  he 
should  triumph  over  the  king  of  terrors  by  a  glorious 
resurrection,  and  appear  to  them  again,  previous  to 
his  ascension  into  heaven.  The  world,  said  our  Lord, 
will  rejoice  and  triumph  over  you,  supposing  that  they 
have  effected  my  utter  destruction,  and  wholly  sup- 
pressed your  ministry  :  and  in  consequence  hereof, 
you  will  be  overvvhehned  with  affliction :  but  your 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  209 

sorrow  will  not  be  of  long  continuance  ;  for  upon  my 
return  to  you,  your  hearts  will  be  filled  with  inex- 
pressible j(jy. 

A  woman  in  labor  is  for  a  time  sensible  of  much 
pain  and  sorrow,  but  after  delivery  she  no  longer  re- 
flects on  her  poignant  sufferings,  but  greatly  rejoices 
on  occasion  of  the  birth  of  her  child  ;  and  so  while 
you  are  under  the  apprehension  of  my  departure,  and 
during  the  distresses  and  temptations  which  you  will 
experience  in  my  absence,  your  minds  will  be  deeply 
impressed  wiih  sorrow  and  anxiety  ;  but  upon  my 
return  to  you,  you  shall  greatly  rejoice ;  and  the  ut- 
most power  and  malice  of  your  enemies  shall  not  de- 
prive you  of  the  satisfaction,  which  shall  result  to  you 
in  consequence  of  my  appearance,  after  my  resurrec- 
tion. But  there  will  be  no  necessity  for  me  to  remain 
long  with  you  ;  for  the  Holy  Spirit  will  be  commissi- 
oned to  impart  unto  you,  all  that  it  will  be  expedient 
for  you  to  know  ;  and,  exclusive  of  this  advantage, 
the  Almighty  himself  will  be  ever  disposed  to  listen  to 
your  petitions,  and  to  bestow  upon  you  whatever  you 
ask  of  him  in  my  name. 

Hitherto  you  have  not  supplicated  the  Father  *  in 
the  name  of  his  only  Son  :  but  you  are  now  instruct- 
ed to  put  forth  your  petitions  to  God  in  the  name  of 
your  Redeemer,  who  is  preparing  to  surrender  his 
life  for  the  salvation  of  mankind  :  and  be  assured, 
that  whatever  you  shall  ask  for  the  glory  of  God,  and 
to  enable  you  to  pursue  your  ministry  with  success, 
shall  be  granted  to  you  ;  and  that  your  joy,  which 
will  commence  at  the  time  of  my  appearance  to  you 
after  my  decease,  will  be  fully  completed  by  the  ef- 
ficacy and  success  of  your  holy  ministration. 

*  You  have  not  prayed  to  the  Almighty  in  my  name,  as  the  Medi- 
ator between  God  and  man,  and  with  respect  to  my  merits  and  inter- 
cession. 

VOL.     II.  2c 


210  THE  HISTORY    OF 

According  to  the  extent  of  your  knowledge,  and  the 
strength  of  your  capacities,  1  have  hitherto  spoken  to 
you  concerning  the   establishment  of  my  church   by 
allusions  and  similitudes,   which  have  seemed  to  you 
imperfect  and  obscure  ;   but  the  time  will  now  spee- 
dily arrive,  when  I  shall  in  a  more  open  and  explicit 
manner  acquaint  you  with  the  determinations  of  my 
heavenly  Father,  respecting  the  nature  and  establish- 
ment of  my  kingdom  ;   and  explain  to  you  how,  and 
for  what  purposes  you  are  to  address  yourself  in  prayer 
to  him,  by  whom  you  are  already  greatly  beloved,  be- 
cause you  believe  that  I  act  by  his  divine  authority, 
I  have   descended   from   heaven,    and  resided   upon 
earth  under  the  appearance  of  a  frail  and  imperfect  state 
of  humanity,  in  order  that  I  might  reveal  to  mankind 
the  will  of  my  heavenly  Father,  and  instruct  them  in 
the  means  of  attaining  to  everlasting  life  and  happi- 
ness ;  and  having  accomplished  this  great  and  import- 
ant undertaking,  T  am  preparing  to  return  to  the  oles- 
sed  regions  of  ineffable   bliss,  from   whence  I  derive 
my  origin.      "  Then  said  some  of  his  disciples  among 
**  themselves,  What  is  this  that  he  saith  unto  us,  A 
**  little  while,  and  ye  shall  not  see  me  ;   and  again,  a 
*'  little  while,  and  ye  shall  see  me  ;   and,  because  I  go 
*'  to  the  Father  ?  They  said  therefore.  What  is  this 
**  that  he  saith,  A  little  while  ?   We  cannot  tell  what 
*'  he  saith.     Now  Jesus  knew  that  they  were  desirous 
"  to  ask   him,  and   said   unto   them.  Do  ye  enquire 
*'  among  yourselves  of  that  I  sr.id,  A  little  while,  and 
'*  ye  shall  not  see  me  ;   and  again,  a  little  while,  and 
"  ye  shall   sec  me  ?   Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  you, 
*'  That  ye  shall  weep  and  lament,   but  the  world  shall 
"  rejoice  :  and  ye  shall  be  sorrowful,  but  your  sorrow 
*'  shall  be  turned  into  joy.     A  woman  when  she  is  in 
'*  travail  hath  sorrow,  because  her  hour  is  come  :  but 
*'  as  soon  as  she  is  delivered  of  the  child,  she  remem- 
"  bereth  no  more  of  the  anguish,  for  joy  that  a  man 
*'  is  born  into  the  world.    And  ye  now  therefore  have 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  211 

*<  sorrow :  but  I  will  see  you  again,  and  your  heart 
'*  shall  rejoice,  and  your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you. 
*'  And  in  that  day  ye  shall  ask  me  nothing^.  Verily^ 
"  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever  ye  sh  dl  ask  the 
*'  Father  in  my  name,  he  will  give  it  you.  Hitherto  ye 
"  have  asked  nothing  in  my  name:  ask, and  ye  shall  re- 
"  ceive.that  your  joy  may  be  full.  These  things  have  I 
"  spoken  unto  you  in  proverbs  :  but  the  time  cometh 
"  when  I  shall  no  more  speak  unto  you  in  proverbs, 
"  but  I  shall  shew  you  plainly  of  the  Father.  At  that 
*'  day  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name  :  and  1  say  not  unto 
*' you,  that  I  will  pray  the  Father  for  you  :  for  the 
"  Father  himself  loveth  you,  because  ye  have  loved 
"  me  and  have  believed  that  I  came  out  from  God.  I 
"  came  forth  from  the  Father,  and  am  come  into  the 
'*  world  :  again,  I  leave  the  world,  and  go  to  the  Fa- 
"  ther."  John  xvi.   17,  &c. 

Our  Saviour  had  not  before  spoken  in  such  plain 
and  express  terms  to  his  disciples,  who  now  under- 
stood that  by  the  departure  he  had  so  often  mentioned, 
he  meant  to  inform  them,  that  he  should  quit  this 
sublunary  sphere.  Therefore  they  said,  Now,  O  Lord, 
you  speak  to  us  in  a  stile  that  does  not  surpass  the 
limits  of  our  comprehension,  and  we  clearly  conceive 
your  meaning.  You  have  at  once  satisfied  our  curi- 
osity, and  added  great  confirmation  to  our  faith,  hav- 
ing convinced  us  of  your  power  to  penetrate  into  the 
most  secret  recesses  of  the  hearts  of  men  ;  for  though 
we  did  not  declare  our  doubts,  you  perceived  the  per- 
plexity in  which  our  minds  were  involved,  and  were 
graciously  pleased  to  communicate  to  us  such  infor- 
mation as  has  entirely  dispersed  those  scruples  which 
were  the  effects  of  our  ignorance.  We  were,  indeed, 
as  you  perceived,  extremely  desirous  of  an  explana- 
tion, but  were  fearful  of  applying  to  you  on  that  sub- 
ject, lest  we  should  give  you  offence  :  but  you  have 
perfectly  convinced  us,  that  you  are  the  ambassa- 
dor of  God. 


S12  THE    HISTOHY    OF 

Hereupon  Jesus  said  to  them,  that  although  they 
firmly  believed  in  him,  and  had  resolved  to  persevere 
in  their  faith,  it  behoved  them  to  be  careful,  lest  they 
should  be  too  confident  of  their  own  strength  ;  and 
to  pray  fervently  to  heaven,  that  they  might  be  deli- 
vered from  temptation  in  the  time  of  distress. 

^You  shall,  said  Jesus,  before  many  hours  elapse, 
utterly  abandon  me,  in  the  hope  of  providing  for  your 
own  security.  But  though  you  will  desert  me,  I 
shall  not  be  alone,  for- my  heavenly  Father  will  ever 
remain  with  infie.  I  have  predicted  these  matters  to 
you,  in  order  that  ye  may  so  increase  your  constancy 
and  fortitude,  as  to  be  the  better  enabled  to  resist  those 
temptations  to  which  you  will  be  exposed  ;  and  you 
cannot  but  derive  comfort  from  my  having  prepared 
you  to  encounter  those  calamities  which  you  will 
shortly  experience,  and  which  will  most  assuredly 
terminate  in  a  glorious  victory  over  the  malice  of  your 
enemies. 

Suffer  not  the  consideration  of  the  sufferings  you 
are  to  endure  to  depress  your  spirits,  or  to  impair 
your  courage  and  constancy  :  but  reflect,  that,  by  the 
unremitting  fortitude  I  have  exerted,  I  have  obtained 
a  complete  conquest  over  the  dominion  of  sin  ;  there- 
fore adopt  my  example,  and  participate  with  me  in  the 
rewards  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  "  His  disciples 
*'  said  unto  him,  Lo,  now  speakest  thou  plainly,  and 
"  speakest  no  proverb.  Now  are  we  sure  that  thou 
"  knowt  St  all  things,  and  needest  not  that  any  man 
"  should  ask  thee  :  by  this  we  believe  that  thou  cam- 
*'  est  forth  from  God.  Jesus  answered  them,  Do  ye 
"  now  believe  .''  Behold,  the  hour  cometh,  yea,  is  now 
"  come,  that  }  e  shall  be  scattered  every  man  to  his  own, 
"  and  shall  leave  me  alone  :  and  yet  I  am  not  alone, 
"  because  the  Father  is  with  me.  These  things  I  have 
"  spoken  unto  you  that  in  me  ye  might  have  peace. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  213 

"  In  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation  c  but  be  of 
"  good  cheer,  1  have  overcome  the  world."  John 
xvi.  29,  &c. 

Having  exhorted  and  comforted  his  disciples  in  the 
manner  above  recited,  the  blessed  Jesus  '■'  lifted  up 
**  his  eyes  to  heaven,"  and  fervently  prayed  to  his 
Almighty  Father  in  the  following  manner.  Holy  and 
Almighty  Father,  the  time  will  speedily  arrive,  when 
I  shall  submit  to  the  most  rigorous  punishments, 
which  will  terminate  in  a  painful  and  ignominious 
death.  Grant  me,  O  Lord,  fortitude  to  support  my- 
self under  the  persecution  and  malice  of  my  ene- 
mies, with  that  dignity  which  is  becoming  him  whom 
thou  hast  been  pleased  to  acknowledge  as  thy  Son, 
that  1  may  thereby  add  to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 
Enable  me,  O  God,  to  triumph  over  death  by  a  glo- 
rious resurrection  and  ascension  into  heaven,  that 
the  honcjr  of  thy  name  may  be  magnified,  and  thy  di- 
vine power  be  believed  throughout  the  world  :  so 
shall  mankind  render  themselves  worthy  to  enjoy  the 
blessings  of  eternity,  according  to  the  full  intent  of 
that  office  and  power  with  which  thou  hast  been  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  invest  me. 

That  I  might  effect  the  great  design  of  providing 
for  the  eternal  salvation  of  mankind,  I  have  faithfullv 
proclaimed  thy  will,  and  preached  the  doctrine  of 
repentance,  whereby  I  h  ive  exalted  the  glory  of  thy 
name  among  mankind.  That,  the  great  scheme  of 
salvation  may  be  perfected,  do  thou,  who  art  the  * 
only   true   God,  glorify   me  by    re-admitting  me  to 

•  That  the  Father  is  here  called  "  the  only  true  God,"  In  exclusion, 
only  of  those  w.  om  thf  false  persuasion  of  the  Gentiles  had  introduced 
as  g  'tis,  and  not  in  exclusion  of  Christ,  as  the  Socinians  pretend,  is  ma- 
nifest from  tlie  circumstance  of  Christ  himself  being  elsewhere  called 
'*  the  only  true  God.'* 


!214  THE    HISTORY    OF 

those  honors  which  I  f  enjoyed  before  the  commence- 
ment of  the  world.  I  have  manifested  thy  will  to 
the  disciples,  whom,  by  thy  appointment,  I  selected 
from  the  rest  of  mankind,  to  proclaim  the  precepts 
of  thy  gospel,  and  the  doctrine  of  thy  salvation. 

The  doctrine  I  have  preached  to  the  disciples,  they 
have  cheerfully  embraced,  punctually  adhered  to, 
and  faithfully  obeyed  ;  they  are  firml}^  persuaded,  that 
what  I  have  preached  to  them  is  not  a  human  inven- 
tion, but  a  system  of.  divine  truths,  proclaimed  to 
mankind  by  thy  especial  authority  and  command.  By 
the  power  thou  hast  transmitted  to  me,  I  have  pro- 
tected ihem  from  all  the  assaults  of  their  malicious 
enemies  ;  and  eleven  of  them  have  maintained  a  due 
allegiance  to  me  :  but  the  perfidious  man  who  has 
deserted  my  cause,  will  effect  his  own  destruction ; 
and  in  him  will  be  accomplished  the  predictions  of 
the  prophets,  who  denounced  exemplary  vengeance 
against  the  abominable  treachery  of  which  he  has 
been  guilty. 

As  the  period  will  soon  arrive  when  I  shall  leave 
this  world,  I  now  address  myself  to  thee,  O  heavenly 
Father,  in  the  hearing  of  my  faithful  apostles  that 
their  minds  may  be  strengthened  and  fortified  against 
yielding  to  the  impression  of  distressing  and  melan- 
choly ideas.  As  thou  hast  begun  the  great  work  of 
their  salvation  by  my  preaching  and  revealing  to  them 
thy  holy  will,  I  supplicate  thee,  O  God,  to  continue 
thy  gracious  favor  and  protection  to  them  after  my 
departure  from  this  transitory  life.  Grant  that  they 
may  be  so  sincerely  affected  with  the  truth  of  thy  holy 
doctrine,  that  their  conduct  may  be  ever  conforma- 

t  Our  blessed  Redeemer  had  a  glory  with  the  Father,  before  he  as- 
sumed the  appearance  and  nature  of  humanity ;  and  this  glory  he  dedin- 
ed,  when  he  became  a  man,  according  to  a  variety  of  scriptural 
evidence. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  215 

ble   thereto,  since  this  doctrine  contains   only  those 
divine  precepts  vvhich  I  have  published  by  thy  autho- 
rity and  com  ma  lid. 

I  do  not  pray  in  behalf  of  the  unbelieving  and  im- 
penitent world,  but  for  those  who  have  embraced  that 
most  holy  doctrine  which  you  were  graciouly  pleased 
to  command  me  to  preach  for  the  redemption  of  man- 
kind, and  who  by  their  ministry,  have  glorified  thy 
name  :  I  do  not  make  these  requests  for  my  apos- 
tles alone,  but  for  *  all  those  who  have  reposed,  or 
may  hereafter  repose  faith  in  me.  The  period  will 
soon  arrive,  when  I  shall  return  to  thy  heavenly  king- 
dom ;  and  therefore  I  recommend  to  thy  peculiar 
care  and  protectiofi,  my  eleven  beloved  disciples,  who 
will  faithfully  proclaim  the  precepts  of  my  gospel  after 
my  departure  from  this  world.  Endue  them  with 
grace  to  conduct  themselves  agreeably  to  the  rules 
which  I  have  prescribed  to  them,  and  with  power  to 
deliver  to  mankind  with  unimpaired  purity,  the  ho- 
ly doctrines  of  truth  and  righteousness,  which  they 
have  received  from  me  ;  so  shall  their  fidelity  and 
xeal  in  the  discharge  of  their  sacred  function,  entitle 
them  to  remain  inseparably  united  to  me,  as  I  am  to 
thee.  From  the  hour  when  I  first  appointed  them  to 
be  my  apostles,  I  have  been  unremittingly  assiduous 
to  guard  them  against  the  smallest  violation  of  their 
duty;  and,  excepting  the  ungrateful  traitor  who  has 
conspired  with  my  enemies  to  cft'ect  my  destruction, 
they  have  yielded  a  perfect  obedience  to  my  direc- 
tions :   but  now  that  I  am  soon  to  withdraw  my  per- 

*  Hence  it  appears,  that  Christ,  after  having  prayed  for  his  apostles 
in  particular,  put  Forth  the  same  request,  in  behalf  ot'his  other  disciples  ; 
and  therefore  it  must  follow,  that  the  words  of  the  evangelist  have  no 
regard  to  the  election  of  a  particular  number,  but  only  to  those  peculi- 
ar gifts  and  blessings,  which  were  necessary  to  the  apostles.  "  J  pray 
"  not  for  the  world,  but  for  them  which  thou  hast  given  me."  John 
xvii.   '.J. 


216  THE    HISTORY    OF 

sonal  protection  from  them,  I  earnestly  beseech  thee 
to  assist  them  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  that  they  may 
derive  comfort  from  the  assurance  that  they  will  ever 
remain  under  thy  especial  care  and  protection. 

My  doctrine  being  utterly  repugnant  to  the  passi- 
ons and  lusts,  the  affections,  designs,  and  inclinations 
of  worldly  men,  my  disciples  will  be  hated  and  perse- 
cuted by  the  vicious  and  incorrigible  part  of  the  world. 
I  do  not  request  that  you  would  take  them  out  of  the 
world,  but  beseech  that  you  will  preserve  them  in  it, 
that  they  may  be  instrumental  in  promoting  thy  holy 
word,  and  in  magnifying  the  glory  of  thy  name. 

These  disciples  are  of  a  disposition  exceedingly 
different  from  the  generality  of  mankind  ;  for  they 
have  adopted  the  example  of  righteousness  and  virtue, 
which  I  proposed  to  them  in  my  own  person.  Do 
thou,  O  Father,  increase  in  them  the  moderation  and 
candor  of  their  minds,  and  cause  them  to  be  tho- 
roughly impressed  with  ihat  true  doctiine  which  I 
have  recommended  to  them  by  your  especial  com- 
mand, that  they  may  both  in  their  preaching  and  their 
moral  conduct  through  life,  become  worthy  and  suc- 
cessful ministers  of  my  gospel. 

As  thou  hast  appointed  me  to  reveal  thy  holy  will  to 
mankind,  so  I  depute  these  my  apostles  to  continue  as- 
siduously to  propagate  the  doctrine  which  Ihave  es- 
tablished. To  promote  the  great  end  for  which  I  came 
into  the  world,  I  have  communicated  to  my  apostles, 
that  power  and  authority  of  performing  miracles  for 
the  confirmation  of  their  doctrine,  and  the  evidence 
of  thy  truth,  which  thou  didst  communicate  to  me  ; 
so  that  I,  acting  by  their  agenc}^  as  thou  hast  done 
by  me,  may  promote  that  doctrine  which  I  have  hi-s 
therto  preached,  and  convince  mankind,  by  the  ef- 
ficacy of  the  Spirit,  that  I  was  sent  into  the  world  tg 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  217 

execute  thy   righteous    will,   and  that   my  disciples 
act  by  the  same  divine  commission. 

Almighty  Father,  I  beseech  that  thou  wouldest  ad- 
mit all  those  who  have  heartily  embraced  my  gospel, 
to  participate  with  me  in  heavenly  bliss  !  and  exalt 
them  to  the  privilege  of  beholding  the  wonderful  glo- 
ry, wherewith,  in  th)'^  unbounded  and  eternal  love, 
thou  didst  invest  me  before  the  creation  of  the  world. 
The  generality  of  mankind  obstinately  persist  in  op- 
posing your  divine  pleasure  :  but  my  disciples  hold 
thy  sacred  name  in  due  veneration  ;  and,  by  thy  di- 
vine permission,  I  will  continue  to  endue  them  with 
the  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  improve  in  righteous- 
ness, in  faith,  and  in  all  good  works  ;  so  that  they 
shall  themselves,  as  well  as  all  who  believe  in,  and 
act  agreeably  to  what  they  preach,  obtain  that  ever- 
lasting happiness,  which  is  the  efiect  of  that  infinite 
love  that  thou  hast,  through  me,  manifested  towards 
them. 


VOL.    II.  2    D 


218  THE    HISTORY    OF 


CHAP.  XXXVII, 

Our  blessed  Saviour  crosses  the  brook  Cedron,  and  re- 
puirs  towards  the  garden  of  Gethsemane  ;  but ^ pre- 
li'ious  to  his  arriiial  there^  he  predicts  that  he  shall 
be  seized  that  night,  and  that  his  apostles  will  de- 
sert him.  The  agony  of  the  holy  Jesus.  Our  Sa- 
'Diour  departs  from  his  disciples,  and  fer'vently  ad" 
dresses  himself  in  prayer  to  his  heavenly  Father, 
Upon  his  return  to  his  disciples,  he  finds  them 
asleep,  and  awakens  them.  .  He  prays  again,  and 
wakes  his  disciples  a  second  aiid  a  third  time.  Ju- 
das enters  the  garden  of  GethsemanCy  at  the  head 
oj  a  party  of  soldiers,  who  take  Jesus  into  custo- 
dy. Peter  cuts  off  the  ear  of  Malchus,  for  which 
action  he  is  repro^ued  by  Jesus,  who  heals  the  wound. 
Our  Sa'uiour  questions  the  officers  on  the  subject  of 
his  being  taken  into  custody.  A  young  man  who 
'was  seized  by  the  soldiers,  escapes  without  his  gar- 
ment.  Jesus  is  conducted  to  the  house  of  Annas 
and  Caiphas,  whither  he  is  followed  by  Peter  and 
John.  Peter  thrice  denies  haiiing  any  knowledge 
of  Christ:  but  he  repents,  after  hailing  heard  the 
cock  crow  twice.  Caiphas  exa?nines  Jesus  before 
the  chief-priests  and  rulers  of  Jerusalem,  and  false 
evidence  is  adduced  against  him.  Jesus  is  con* 
ducted  before  the  Sanhedrim,  and  further  examin- 
ed. He  acknowledges  himself  to  be  the  Messiah  ; 
and  he  is  crutlly  rcuilcd  and  insulted,  arid  condenin- 
ed  as  deserving  to  suffer  death. 

After  the  transactions  recorded  in  the  preced- 
ini^  chapter,  our  blessed  Redeemer,  accompanied  by 
his  apostles,  descended  from  the  Mount  of  Olives, 
and  crossing  the  brook  Cedron,  proceeded  towards 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  219 

the  garden  of  Gethsemane.  On  the  way  our  Lord 
said  to  his  disciples,  that  they  would  that  very  nipht 
forsake  him,  according  to  the  prediction  of  the  pro- 
phet Zechariah.  "  Awake,  O  sword,  against  my  shep- 
''  herd,  and  against  the  man  that  is  my  fellow,  saiih 
*' the  Lord  of  hosts  :  smite  the  shepherd,  and  the 
"  sheep  shall  be  scattered,  and  I  will  turn  mine  hand 
*'  upon  the  little  ones."  Zech.  xiii.  7.  Hereupon 
Peter  said,  that  though  he  should  be  deserted  by  his 
other  disciples,  yet  he  would  steadily  maintain  his 
allegiance  and  fidelity  to  him,  under  every  circum- 
stance of  distress  and  extremity.  Our  Saviour  now 
reminded  Peter  of  what  he  had  already  predicted,  re- 
peating to  him,  that  before  the  cock  should  twice  be 
heard  to  *  crow,  he  would  thrice  deny  being  his  dis- 
ciple. But  Peter  solemnly  protested,  that  he  would 
submit  to  be  put  to  the  most  cruel  death,  rather  than 
deny  obedience  to  his  Master ;  and  the  other  apos- 
tles as  fervently  declared,  that  no  circumstance  what- 
ever should  prevail  upon  them  to  violate  their  duty 
and  allegiance  to  Jesus.  "  And  Jesus  saith  unto 
"  them,  All  ye  shall  be  offended  because  of  me  this 
"  night ;  for  it  is  written,  I  will  smite  the  shep- 
"  herd,  and  the  sheep  shall  be  scattered.  But  after 
"  that  I  am  risen,  I  will  go  before  you  into  Galilee. 
•'  But  Peter  said,  although  all  shall  be  offended,  yet 
*'  will  not  I.  And  Jesus  saith  unto  him.  Verily  I  say 
*'  unto  thee,  that  this  day,  even  in  this  night,  before 
*'  the  cock  crow  twice,  ihou  shalt  deny  me  thrice. 
"  But  he  spake  the  more  vehemently,  If  I  should 
*'  die  with  thee,  I  will  not  deny  thee  in  any  wise.— 
"  Likewise  also  said  they  all."  Mark  xiv.  27,  &c. 

Upon  their  arrival  at  the  garden  of  Gethsemane, 

*  The  Heathen  writers  mention  a  double  crowing  of  the  cock  ;  the 
tirst  about  midnight,  and  the  second  at  the  fourth  watch,  or  at  day- 
break. The  latter  of  these  is  emphatically  called  the  cock-crowing  ; 
Jill  J  it  was  this  that  brought  Peter  to  repentance. 


220  THE    HISTORY    OF 

Jesus,  accompanied  by  Peter  and  James,  and  John, 
the  two  sons  of  Zebedee,  the  three  select  apostles 
who  had  been  witnesses  to  his  glorious  transfigura- 
tion, proceeded  forward,  having  commanded  his  other 
disciples  to  wait  near  the  entrance,  and  recommended 
them  to  pray  to  God  that  he  would  not  permit  their 
constancy  to  be  exposed  to  too  severe  trials. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  now  meditated  upon  those 
sufferings  which  in  a  few  hours  he  was  to  endure  ;  and 
the  i)rospect  of  the  shocking  scene  that  was  shortly 
to  ensue,  overwhelmed  him  with  affliction  ;  and  there- 
fore he  addressed  himself  in  fervent  prayer  to  his  hea- 
venly Father,  supplicating,  that  if  he  could,  consist- 
ently with  the  salvation  of  mankind,  he  might  be  de- 
livered from  the  sorrows  by  which  he  was  then  so 
heavily  oppressed.  On  this  occasion  he  sustained 
those  grievous  conflicts  in  his  soul,  by  which,  as  well 
as  his  dying  on  the  cross,  he  became  a  sin.oftering, 
and  thereby  accomplished  the  redemption  of  man- 
kind. 

Having  informed  his  three  disciples  that  he  was  in 
an  agony  of  sorrow,  and  commanded  them  to  remain 
v^here  they  then  were,  and  to  w^atch,  he  retired  to 
the  distance  of  about  a  stone's  throw  ;  and  prostrat. 
ino;  himself  upon  the  earth,  exclaimed,  O  Almighty 
Father,  thou  art  able  to  prevent  the  cruel  death,  and 
those  indignities  which  I  expect  shortly  to  suffer  ; 
but  if  thy  eternal  wisdom  hath  unalterably  decreed 
me  to  these  purposes,  I  shall  entirely  resign  myself 
to  thy  Almighty  pleasure.  While  our  Saviour  was 
laboring  under  this  agony,  an  *  angel  descended  from 
heaven,  and  administered   comfort  to  him  ;   and  the 


*  In  the  tirrip  of  ^t.  Jerome,  ib's  account  of  tlie  anjrel  was  wan'ing 
in  many  of  the  Greek  and  Latin  copies.  It  seems  to  have  been  expung- 
ed by  the  Avians. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  221 

more  he  was  oppressed  with  sorrow,  the  more  fervent. 
ly  he  addressed  himself  to  God  by  prayer,  bo  in- 
tense was  his  anguish,  cmd  bO  excessive  was  the  per- 
turbation of  his  spirits,  that  his  blood  was  forced 
through  the  pores  of  his  skin  :  and  mixing  with  his 
sweat,  it  fell  in  drops  upon  the  earth. 

His  earnest  supplications  to  the  Almighty,  and  his 
entire  resignation  to  the  divine  will,  procured  an 
abatement  of  his  agony;  and  he  arose,  and  returned 
to  his  apostles,  whom  he  found  in  a  sleep.  Having 
awakened  them,  he  said,  Am  I  so  little  regarded  by 
you,  that  you  neglect  to  watch  one  hour  with  me  in 
my  affliction  ?  Arise,  and  pray,  that  you  may  be  en- 
dued with  constancy  and  fortitude  to  support  your- 
selves under  the  severe  trials  to  which  you  will  in  a 
short  time  be  exposed ;  for  though  you  are  fully 
persuaded  that  your  duty  requires  you  to  be  inflexi- 
bly persevering  in  your  profession  of  being  my  disci- 
ples, 3'et  such  is  the  fraiity  of  human  nature,  that  it 
is  scarcely  possible  for  mankind  to  collect  a  sufficient 
degree  of  courage  and  fortitude  effectually  to  resist 
the  tyranny  of  those  violent  passions,  which  by  fre- 
quent indulgence,  often  become  too  powerful  for  the 
controul  of  reason.  "  And  they  came  to  a  place 
"  which  was  named  Gethsemane  :  and  he  saith  to 
*'  his  disciples,  sit  ye  here  while  I  shall  pray.  And 
"  he  takcth  with  him  Peter,  and  James,  and  John,  and 
*'  began  to  be  sore  amazed,  and  to  be  very  heavy. — 
"  And  he  saith  unto  them,  My  soul  is  exceeding  sor- 
*'  ronful  unto  death  :  tarry  ye  here  and  watch.  And 
"  he  w^cnt  forward  a  little  and  fell  on  the  ground,  and 
"  prayed  that,  if  it  were  possible,  the  hour  might  pass 
'*  from  him.  And  he  said,  Abba,  Father,  all  things 
*'  are  possible  unto  thee  :  take  away  this  cup  from 
*'  me  :  nevertheless  not  what  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 
"  And  he  cometh,  and  findeth  them  sleeping,  and 
**  saith  unto  Peter,  Simon,  slecpest   thou  i"  couldest 


2^22      -  THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  not  thou  watch  one  hour  ?  Watch  ye  and  {pray,  lest 
*'  ye  enter  into  temptation.  The  spirit  truly  ib  ready, 
*'  but  the  flesh  is  weak."  Mark  xiv.  32,  8cc.  And 
"  there  appeared  an  angel  unto  him  from  heaven 
"  strengthening  him.  And  being  in  an  agony,  he 
*'  prayed  more  earnestly  :  and  his  sweat  was  as  it  were 
*'  great  drops  of  blood  falling  down  to  the  ground.*' 
Luke  xxii.  43,  44. 

Having  thus  admonished  his  disciples,  our  Saviour 
again  retired  to  pray;  and  upon  his  return,  he  dis- 
covered them  to  be  a  second  time  in  a  profound  sleep. 
Having  again  awaked  them,  he  rebuked  them  for 
their  negligence  ;  after  which  he  retreated  from  them 
a  third  time,  to  supplicate  his  heavenly  Father  ;  but 
as  he  obtained  no  assurance  of  an  abatement  of  his 
expected  anguish,  he  expressed  himself  willing  to  en- 
counter the  utmost  torments,  which  the  Almighty- 
should  be  pleased  to  permit  the  rage  and  malice  of  his 
enemies  to  inflict  upon  him. 

Observing  that  the  affliction  his  three  apostles  had 
experienced  on  his  account,  had  so  harrassed  and  ex- 
hausted their  spirits,  that  they  had  not  been  able  to 
resist  an  inclination  to  repose,  Jesus  said,  The  time 
is  nearly  arrived,  when  I  must  submit  to  the  cruelty 
of  my  enemies;  and  I  am  resolved  courageously  to 
encounter  the  effects  of  their  ras:e,  however  severe 
and  undeserved  ;  therefore  take  your  rest,  for  youf 
vratching  is  wholly  unnecessary.  I  shall  shortly  be 
surrendered  into  the  power  of  wicked  and  unrelenting 
men,  both  Jews  and  Romans  ;  and  if  you  are  inclined 
to  be  witnesses  of  the  unmerited  severity  of  treatment 
I  shall  receive  from  them,  arise,  and  accompany  me 
to  meet  the  perfidious  and  ungrateful  wretch,  who  is 
now  upon  his  way  to  betray  me  to  a  party  of  soldiers, 
dispatched  to  apprehend  me  by  the  members  of  the 
Sanhedrim. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  2Q3 

Judas  had  frequently  accompanied  his  Master  to 
the  garden  of  Gcthseniune,  and  therefore  knew  the 
spot  to  which  he  was  uccu>.tomed  to  retire.  At  the 
head  of  a  party  of  armed  men,  and  ^  deputation  of  offi- 
cers from  the  Sanhedrim,  eanying  lamps  and  torches, 
the  traitor  entered  the  garden  in  search  of  Je$us. — 
Though  the  passovtr  was  liever  celebrated  but  at  the 
time  of  full  moon,  they  foresaw  that  the  light  of  that 
planet  might  be  intercepted  by  clouds;  they  also 
knew,  that  the  place  was  greatly  shaded  with  trees  ; 
and  for  these  reasons,  the  soldiers  were  attended  by 
servants  carrying  lights.  It  is  probable,  that  the  sol- 
diers were  unacquainted  with  the  personof  Jesus,  and 
that  therefore  it  was  judged  necessary  that  Judas  should 
point  him  out  by  a  particular  sign  :  and  the  soldiers 
were  commanded  to  seize  and  conduct  before  the 
Sanhedrim,  the  man  whom  Judas  should  salute. 

When  Judas  approached  the  spot  where  he  expect- 
ed to  find  our  Saviour,  he  v.alked  hastily  up  to  him  ; 
probably  with  a  design  of  concealing  his  villainy  from 
his  Master  and  the  eleven  apostles,  and  pretending, 
perhaps,  that  he  was  desirous  of  apprizing  him  of  his 
danger.  Judas  accosted  our  Saviour,  saying.  Hail 
Master,  and  kissed  him.  But  our  Lord,  knowing 
his  design,  did  not  fail  to  upbraid  him  with  his  treach- 
ery. Dost  thou  betray  me,  said  our  Lord,  with  a 
fawning  salutation  ? 

After  receiving  this  reprimand,  Judas  retired  into 
the  company  of  the  soldiers.  And  the  time  of  his  suf- 
fering  being  arrived,  our  Lord  did  not  now,  as  he  had 
formerly  done,  avoid  his  enemies;  but  turning  to- 
wards the  soldiers,  he  asked,  whom  it  was  they 
sought  ?  They  replied,  that  they  came  in  search  of 
Jesus  of  Nazareth.  Hereupon  our  Lord  immediately 
acknowledged  himself  to  be  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
whom  they  came  to  apprehend  ;  and  he  had  no  soon- 


224  THE    HISTORY    OF 

er  pronounced  these  words,  than  the  soldiers  being 
struck  with  astonishment  fell  back  upon  the  ground. 
But  so  far  was  Jesus  from  taking  advantage  of  their 
consternation,  that  he  made  not  the  least  endeavor  to 
escape,  which  he  might  have  successfully  attempted 
without  the  smallest  difficulty  :  but  on  the  contrary, 
he  a  second  time  addressed  himself  to  the  soldiers, 
repeating  the  question  as  to  whom  they  sought.  Be- 
ing again  told  that  they  came  in  search  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  he  said,  1  have  already  acknowledged  my- 
self to  be  the  man  you  seek;  and  since  it  is  me  a  one 
that  you  are  authorized  to  take  into  custody,  1  request 
that  you  will  offer  no  violence  to  these  my  attend- 
ants. "  He  went  away  again  the  second  time,  and 
*'  prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not 
*'  pass  away  from  me,  except  I  drink  it,  thy  will  be 
*'  done.  And  he  came  and  found  them  asleep  again  ; 
*^  for  their  eyes  were  heavy.  And  he  left  them,  and 
*'  went  away  again,  and  prayed  the  third  time,  saying 
*^  the  same  words.  Then  cometh  he  to  his  disciples, 
*'  and  saith  unto  them,  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  your 
*'  rest  ;  behold,  the  hour  is  at  hand,  and  the  Son  of 
*'  man  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners.  Rise, 
*'  let  us  be  going  :  behold,  he  is  at  hand  that  doth 
"  betray  me.  And  while  he  yet  spake,  lo,  Judas,  one 
"  of  the  twelve,  came,  and  with  him  a  great  multitude 
*'  with  swords  and  staves,  from  the  chief-priests 
''  and  elders  of  the  people.  Now  he  that  betrayed 
*'  him  gave  them  a  sign,  saying,  Whomsoever  I  shall 
*' kiss,  the  same  is  he;  hold  him  fast.  And  forth- 
*'  with  he  came  to  Jesus,  and  said,  Hail,  Master  ;  and 
*'  kissed  him.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Friend, 
"  wherefore  art  thou  come  ?"   Matt.  xxvi.  42,  &c. 

The  tribune  who  had  the  command  of  the  cohort*, 

*  This  was  a  military  term  among  the  Romans,  signifying  a  body  of 
troops  consisting  of  six  hundred  foot  soldiers,  or  as  some  say,  of  five 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  225 

now  advanced  towards  Jesus,  who  was  rudely  seized 
and  bound  by  some  of  the  soldiers.  Enrag-ed  to  sec 
his  Master  thus  unworthily  treated,  Peter  drew  his 
sword,  and  smote  off  the  ear  of  Malchus,  who  was 
servant  to  the  high  priest.  So  exasperated  was  this 
disciple,  that  he  was  on  the  point  of  singly  attacking 
the  whole  body  of  soldiers  :  but  our  Lord  command- 
ed him  to  sheath  his  weapon,  and  at  the  same  time 
reproved  his  rashness,  saying,  that  those  who  took  up 
arms  against  him  should  fall  by  the  power  of  their  ene- 
mies ;  and  that  his  imprudent  defence  implied  a  want 
of  confidence  in  the  AIniighty,  to  whose  determina- 
tions he  was  willing  to  submit,  that  all  the  prophe- 
cies concerning  his  sufferings  and  death  might  be  ac- 
complished. To  prevent  any  tumult,  or  other  ill  con- 
sequences from  Peter  having  struck  oif  the  ear  of  the 
high-priest's  servant,  our  compassionate  Redeemer 
touched  the  wound,  and  it  immediately  healed. 

Addressing  himself  to  the  chief  priests  and  minis- 
ters of  the  Sanhedrim,  our  blessed  Saviour  asked 
them,  why  they  came  to  apprehend  him  attended  by 
armed  soldiers  ;  which  seemed  to  imply,  that  they 
considered  him  as  a  public  robber.  He  had  been  ac- 
customed daily  to  instruct  the  people  in  the  temple, 
and  yet,  he  observed,  they  had  attempted  no  violence 
against  his  person  :  but  the  time  was  arrived,  when 
God  would  permit  the  angels  of  darkness  to  execute 
the  wicked  designs  they  had  projected  against  him. 
But  before  our  blessed  Saviour  had  spoken  these 
words,  his  apostles,  observing  that  their  Master  was 
in  the  power  of  his  enemies,  deserted  him  while  un- 
der these  circumstances  of  distress,  as  he  had  pro- 
phesied. "  Then  came  they  and  laid  hands  on  Jesus, 
"  and  took  him.      And    behold,  one  of  them  which 


huTnlred  ;  these  were  divided  into  three  parties,  culled  maniples,  whlcU 
were  subdivided  into  centuries. 

VOL.      II.  2S 


226  THE   HISTORY    OF 

"were  with  Jesus,  stretched  out  his  hand,  and  drew 
"  his  sword,  and  struck  a  servant  of  the  high-priest, 
*'  and  smote  off  his  ear.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  him, 
"  Put  up  again  thy  sword  into  his  place  ;  for  all  they 
"that  take  the  sword,  shall  perish  with  the  sword. 
*'  Thinkest  thou  that  I  cannot  now  pray  to  my  Father, 
*'  and  he  shall  presently  give  me  more  than  tw-elve  le- 
*'  gions  of  angels  r  But  how  then  shall  the  scripture 
**  be  fulfilled,  that  thus  it  must  be  ?  In  that  same 
*'  hour  said  Jesus  to  the  multitude.  Are  you  come 
'^  out  as  against  a  thief  with  swords  and  staves  for 
**  to  take  me  ?  I  sat  daily  with  you  teaching  in  the 
*'  temple,  and  ye  laid  no  hold  of  me.  But  all  this 
*'  was  done,  that  the  scriptures  of  the  prophets  might 
*'  be  fulfilled.  Then  all  the  disciples  forsook  him 
"  and  fled."  Matt.  xxvi.  50,   &c. 

To  learn  the  occasion  of  the  tumult,  *  a  young 
man,  having  a  linen  cloth  about  his  body,  came  to 
the  spot  where  the  soldiers  had  taken  our  Lord  into 
custody  ;  and  this  youth  they  also  apprehended,  pro- 
bably because  he  shewed  some  marks  of  respect  to 
Jesus  :  but  he  escaped  from  them,  leaving  his  garment 
in  their  hands.  "  And  there  followed  him  a  certain 
*'  young  man,  having  a  linen  cloth  cast  about  his  nak- 
*'  ed  body  ;  and  the  young  men  laid  hold  on  him  : 
"  and  he  left  the  linen  cloth,  and  fled  from  them  nak- 
"  ed."  Markxiv.   51,  52. 

The  soldiers  conducted  Jesus  to  the  house  of  An- 
nas,   the   father-in-law  of  Caiaphas,   who   that   year 

*  Some  of  the  fathers  are  of  opinion,  though  on  a  very  slender  foun- 
dation, that  tins  young  man  was  James,  the  brother  of  our  Lord. 
Others  believe  him  to  liavebeen  St.  Joha  :  but,  according  to  the  evan- 
felistt;,  he  followed  Christ  to  the  high-priest's  hall.  The  most  reason- 
able toni<?cturi'  seems,  that  he  belonged  to  the  family  of  the  proprietor 
of  the  garden  of  Gethsemane  ;  and  that  being  awakened  suddenly  by  an 
uncommon  noise,  he  arose  from  his  bed,  and  throwing  a  cloth  over  him, 
he  retired  to  learn  the  occasion  ©f  the  tumult. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUIl.  227 

held  the  office  of  high-priest.  Annas  had  himself 
been  advanced  to  the  digait}  ofthe  high-priesthood, 
and  that  circumstance,  together  with  his  relationship 
to  Caiaphas,  procured  him  the  respect  that  was  shewn 
him  on  this  occasion.  But  declining  singly  to  inter- 
fere, Annas  ordered  our  Saviour  to  be  escorted  be- 
fore Caiaphas ;  who,  as  we  have  before  observed, 
when  the  conduct  of  Jesus  became  the  subject  of 
investigation  in  the  Sanhedrim,  gave  it  as  his  opini- 
on, that  it  would  be  expedient  to  sacrifice  his  life  to 
the  public  good.  Peter  and  John,  the  son  of  Zebedee, 
followed  Jesus  to  the  palace  of  Caiaphas,  where  se- 
veral of  the  members  had  assembled,  when  the  order 
was  issued  for  apprehending  Jesus  ;  and  wliere  they 
had  remained,  to  learn  the  issue  of  their  stratagem. 
John  having  an  acquaintance  with  some  persons  in 
the  family  of  the  high-priest,  gained  admittance  into 
the  hall,  adjacent  to  the  apartment  where  his  Master 
was  to  be  examined  :  but  Peter  was  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  waiting  without,  till  he  gained  an  introduc- 
tion through  the  interest  of  John. 

Peter  seated  himself  in  the  hall,  in  company  with 
the  domestics  ofthe  high-priest,  anxiously  waiting  the 
issue  of  his  Master's  examination.  The  female  servant 
who  had  opened  the  door  to  Peter,  looking  stedfasty 
at  him,  asked  him,  if  he  was  not  one  ofthe  disciples 
of  Jesus  of  Nazareth  ?  This  he  positively  denied, 
saying,  he  could  not  conceive  what  reason  she  had 
for  proposing  the  question  to  him.  The  question  put 
to  him  by  the  woman  so  disconcerted  Peter,  that  he 
left  the  hall,  and  retired  to  the  porch,  where  he  in 
a  short  time  heard  the  cock  crow.  Returning  to  the 
company,  who  were  seated  before  the  fire,  another 
of  the  female  servants  asked  him,  if  he  was  not  one 
ofthe  disciples 'of  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  In  reply,  he 
denied  having  any  knowledge  of  Jesus  ;  and  to  con- 
firm what  he  had  said,  he  appealed  to  heaven  by  an 


228  THE    HISTOKY    OF 

Oath.  About  an  hour  afterwards,  another  of  the  ser- 
vants, the  kinsman  of  him  whose  ear  Peter  had  struck 
off,  declared,  that  he  had  seen  that  disciple  in  com- 
pany with  Jesus  in  the  garden  of  Gethsemane.  In 
short,  all  the  persons  present  concurred  in  opinion,  that 
he  was  a  follower  of  Jesus  ;  and  their  suspicions  \v ere 
greatly  confirmed,  b}  his  pronunciation  proving  him 
to  be  a  native  of  Galilee.  He  now  with  oaths  and 
imprecations  resolutely  *  disclaimed  all  knowledge 
of  Jesus,  immediately  after  which  he  heard  the  cock 
crow  a  second  time. 

Peter  had  no  sooner  pronounced  the  third  denial, 
than  Jesus  turned  towards  him,  and  regarding  him 
with  remarkable  sternness,  reproached  him  for  his  in- 
fidelity. The  displeasure  and  reproach  expressed  in 
the  countenance  of  Jesus,  and  the  crowing  of  the 
cock,  recalled  the  prediction  of  his  Master  to  the  me- 
mory of  Peter,  and  at  the  same  time  forcibly  im- 
pressed his  mind  with  remorse  and  sorrow.  To  con- 
ceal his  grief  and  confusion,  Peter  covered  his  face 
with  his  garment,  and  retiring  from  the  hall,  by  shed- 
ding abundance  of  tears,  aftbrded  some  relief  to  his 
soul,  which  was  oppressed  by  the  most  poignant  an- 
guish, arising  from  a  proper  sense  of  the  enormity 
of  the  crime  he  had  committed. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  was  now  introduced  into  the 
apartment  where  the  high-priest,  and  several  of  the 
members  of  the  Sanhedrim  were  assembled,  to  exa- 
mine him  concerning  the  doctrines  he  had  promulgat- 
ed, and  the  converts  he  had  made  to  his  gospel.  Cai- 
aphas  demanded  uf  Jesus,  for  what  purpose  he  had 

*  It  will  not  excuse  Peter  to  suppose  he  said,  "  I  know  not  the 
*'  w«/2."  because  be  knew  him  to  be  God  ;  for  this  would  be  to  de- 
fend the  servant,  anrl  accuse  the  Muster  of  falsehood.  If  Peter  did  not 
actually  and  abso'uicly  deny  him,  Christ  would  not  have  said,  "  Thou 
*'  shall  deny  methnce." 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  229 

prevailed  upon  people  to  become  his  disciples,  whe- 
ther he  intended  to  establish  himself  in  the  monarch- 
ical dignity,  and  what  was  the  tendency  of  the  doc- 
trines he  taught  This  conduct  was  equally  uncan- 
did,  artful,  and  ensnaring.  The  attempt  to  extort 
from  a  prisoner  a  confession  which  may  aftVct  his  life 
or  liberty,  is  surely  a  very  inequitable  and  unjustifi- 
able procedure  ;  and  this  Jesus  intimated  in  his  re- 
ply, calling  upon  them  to  support  the  accusations  al- 
ledged  against  him,  by  the  testimony  of  witnesses. 

Our  blessed  Lord  informed  the  high-priest,  and  the 
elders  of  the  people,  that  he  had  publicly  delivered 
his  doctrines  in  almost  every  synagogue  in  Judea, 
and  that  he  had  been  accustomed  to  preach  in  the 
temple  to  very  numerous  audiences,  and  therefore, 
he  observed,  had  he  intended  to  delude  the  multitude 
into  error,  or  to  obtain  any  improper  influence  over 
their  minds,  he  should  certainly  have  been  detected, 
since  all  his  actions  were  exposed  to  public  obser- 
vation. Hereupon  one  of  the  officers,  with  sacrile- 
gious insolence,  struck  Jesus,  upbraiding  him  at  the 
same  time  for  not  addressing  himself  to  the  high- 
priest  with  the  veneration  and  respect,  which,  he  said, 
were  due  to  his  character.  Notwithstanding  the 
gross  affronts  he  had  received,  the  meek  and  humble 
Jesus,  with  great  composure,  said,  If  I  have  given 
any  just  cause  of  offence  to  this  assembly,  prove  to 
me  in  what  particular  my  crime  consists  :  if  you  can- 
not do  this,  by  what  means  will  it  be  possible  for  you 
to  excuse  this  inhuman  trentment  of  a  defenceless 
prisoner.  Tlius  Jesus  became  an  example  of  the 
forbearance  and  humility,  which  he  had  before  re- 
commenfled.  '■'■  VV^hosoever  shall  smite  thee  on  one 
*'  cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other  also."  Matt.  v.  39. 

The  council  expected  that  Jesus  would  avow  him- 
self to  be  the  Messiah  :  but  being  disappointed,  they 


230  THE    HISTOKY    OF 

proceeded  to  examine  several  witnesses,  to  prove  that 
he  had  assumed  that  character ;  for  they  considered 
this  pretension  as  an  act  of  blasphemy  in  Jesus,  who 
being,  as  they  imagined,  only  a  man,  they  supposed 
could  not  pretend  to  the  character  of  the  Messiah, 
without  committing  a  most  daring  and  unpardonable 
offence  against  the  Almighty. 

Some  of  the  witnesses  contradicted  each  other  in  * 
their  depositions,  and  others  advanced  charges  of  too 
insignificant  and  frivolous  a  nature,  to  serve  as  the 
foundation  of  convicting  our  Lord  of  any  capital  of- 
fence. But  two  persons,  at  length,  agreed  in  depos- 
ing, that  they  had  heard  Jesus  declare,  that  he  w^as 
able  to  destroy  the  temple  of  God,  and  to  re-construct 
it  in  the  space  of  three  days.  When  our  Lord  ex-  I 
])elled  the  traders  from  the  house  of  God,  the  Jews  " 
asked  him,  by  what  authority  he  acted  ?  whereupon 
he  said,  *'  Destroy  this  temple,  (pointing  to  his  bo- 
*'  dy,)  and  in  three  days  I  will  raise  it  again,"  There- 
fore these  witnesses,  either  through  malice,  or  ignor- 
ance that  he  alluded  to  the  miracle  of  his  resurrec- 
tion, interpreted  our  Saviour's  words  into  a  declara- 
tion that  he  was  able  to  destroy  and  rebuild  the  mag- 
nificent temple  of  Jerusalem  in  three  days  :  and  the 
chief-priests  and  rulers  deemed  this  expression  an 
act  of  blasphemy,  declaring  it  impossible  that  so  stu- 
pendous an  undertaking  could  be  accomplished  in 
so  short  a  period  of  time,  but  by  the  operation  of  the 
power  of  the  Almighty. 

Notwithstanding  the  charge  produced  against  him, 
our  Lord  remained  silent ;  whereupon  the  high-priest, 
supposing  that  he  meant  to  shew  the  contempt  in 
which  he  held  the  members  of  the  council,  arose  from 
his  seat  in  a  violent  rage,  and  demanded  the  reason  of 
so  extraordinary  conduct.  "  And  the  men  that  held 
"  Jesus,  mocked  him  and  smote  him.  And  when  they 


OUIl    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  231 

"  had  blindfolded  him,  they  struck  him  on  the  face, 
*'  and  asked  him,  saying,  Prophesy,  who  is  it  that 
"  smote  thee  ?  And  many  other  things  blasphcmous- 
*'  ly  spake  they  against  him.  And  as  soon  as  it  was 
'♦  day,  the  ciders  of  the  people  and  the  chief-priests 
"  and  the  scribes  came  together,  and  led  him  into 
'*  their  council,  saying.  Art  thou  the  Christ  ?  tell  us." 
Luke  xxii.  63,  Stc. 

Being  thus  questioned  by  the  Sanhedrim  early  in 
the  morning  alter  his  apprehension,  our  Lord  said, 
that  if  he  should  acknowledge  himself  to  the  Messiah, 
they  would  not  believe  him  ;  nor  would  they  restore 
him  to  liberty,  even  if  he  should  demonstrate  his  in- 
nocence by  the  most  incontestible  evidence.  "  And 
*'  he  said  unto  them,  If  I  tell  you,  ye  will  not  believe. 
*'  And  if  I  also  ask  you,  ye  will  not  answer  me,  nor 
''  let  me  go."     Luke  xxii.  67,  68. 

Disappointed  in  all  his  stratagems  to  extort  some 
expression  from  Jesus,  which  might  be  perverted  to 
his  disadvantage,  the  high-priest  now  solemnly  *  ad- 
jured him,  by  the  tremendous  name  of  the  Almighty, 
to  declare  whether  he  was  the  Son  of  God.  Being 
thus  urged  by  a  religious  obligation  to  make  a  public 
profession,  our  blessed  Saviour  avowed  himself  to  be 
the  Messiah  :  saying,  that  his  judges  would  soon  be 
convinced  of  the  truth  of  his  assertion,  by  the  destruc- 
tion that  he  would  inflict  upon  the  Jewish  nation,  and 
the  rapid  progress  of  his  gospel  in  every  quarter  of 
the  globe  ;  adding,  that  finally  he  should  prove  the 
justice  of  his  pretensions  on  the  great  and  tremendous 
day  of  judgment,  when  he  should  be  seated  on  the 
right  hand  of  his  Almighty  Father,  and  surrounded 
with  all  the  glories  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

*  All  adjuration  of  this  nature,  was  considered  as  equivalent  to  ;i« 
outli,  the  party  adjured  being  expected  to  declare  the  whole  truth. 


232  THE    HISTORY    OF 

Our  Saviour's  public  profession  of  being  the  Mes- 
siah, so  exasperated  the  high-priest,  that  he  rent  his 
garments,  and  addressing  himself  to  the  whole  assem- 
bly, said,  it  would  be  superfluous  to  attempt  produc- 
ing further  evidence,  since  the  prisoner's  own  con- 
fession, had  clearly  convicted  him  of  the  most  horrid 
blasphemy.  Upon  this,  they  unanimously  declared, 
that  since  he  had  presumed  to  arrogate  to  himself  the 
character  of  the  Messiah,  it  was  expedient  that  he 
should  be  put  to  death. 

Being  thus  cruelly  and  unjustly  condemned,  the 
servants  and  other  people  spit  upon  him,  and  offered 
him  a  variety  of  other  indignities,  of  the  most  gross 
and  affronting  nature.  Having  caused  our  blessed 
Saviour  to  be  blindfolded,  some  of  the  council,  with 
a  view  of  rendering  him  an  object  of  ridicule,  desir- 
ed him  to  exercise  his  prophetical  spirit,  by  disco- 
vering who  smote  him.  Thus  was  the  Son  of  God, 
the  great  and  blessed  Redeemer  of  the  world,  treat- 
ed with  a  degree  of  severity  and  insult,  wholly  un- 
worthy his  sacred  character  :  but  he  submitted  to 
his  sufferings  with  patience  and  resignation,  thereby 
leaving  mankind  an  example  of  an  humble  and  entire 
acquiescence  in  the  dispensations  of  divine  Provi- 
dence, 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  233 


CHAP.  XXXVIII. 

Our  Saviour  is  conducted  before  Pilate^  the  Roman 
governor^  ivho  authorizes  the  Jews  to  judge  him 
according  to  their  own  la-ivs  :  but  they  refuse  to  eX" 
ercise  the  pox^er  thus  delegated  to  them.  The  mem^ 
bers  of  the  Sanhedrim  exhibit  accusations  against 
JesuSy  -who  makes  no  reply.  Our  Saviour  acknoiv- 
ledges  himself  to  be  a  king.  Pilate  is  desirous  of 
restoring  Jesus  to  liberty^  but  he  is  opposed  by  the 
Jews.  Pilate  sends  Jesus  to  be  examined  by  He^ 
rody  who  acquits  him.  The  Roman  governor  says, 
he  will  release  either  Jesus  or  Barabbas^  as  the 
Jews  shall  decide  ;  and  they  prefer  the  latter. 
After  endeavoring  in  vain  to  appease  the  rage  of 
the  Jews^  Pilate  orders  our  Saviour  to  be  scourged. 
Pie  shews  Jesus  to  the  people^  and  reluctantly  con-" 
sents  to  his  crucifixion.  Still  desirous  of  preserv- 
ing the  life  of  Jesus ^  he  further  interrogates  him  .• 
and  at  length  he^  after  %v ashing  his  hands  in  the  open 
courts  in  token  of  his  innocence^  delivers  him  to  the 
Jews,  who  behave  towards  him  with  contempt  and 
insult.  Struck  with  a  conviction  of  his  abominable 
treachery^  Judas  returns  the  thirty  sheckels  he  had 
received  for  betraying  Jesus,  and  puts  an  end  to 
his  life.  Simon,  the  Cyrenian,  compelled  to  carry 
the  cross.  Our  Saviour  predicts  the  destruction  of 
the  Jews-  lie  is  crucified  between  two  malefactors. 
Pilate  puts  an  inscription  upon  the  cross,  and  will 
not  allow  it  to  be  altered.  The  chief  priests,  the 
soldiers  and  the  multitude,  scoff"  at,  and  revile  our 
blessed  Saviour  ;  and  their  example  is  followed  by 
one  of  the  suffering  thieves  :  but  the  other  rebukes 
him,  and  receives  a  comfortable  assurance  from 
Jesus.  Our  Saviour  recommends  his  mother  to  the 
care  of  John.  A  darkness  for  the  space  of  three 
VOL.   II.  2  r 


234  THE    HISTORY    OF 

hours.  The  death  of  the  Redeemer  of  the  world. 
Prodigies  atteiidant  upon  the  decease  of  Jesus, 
Women  present  at  the  crucifixion.  It  he  legs  of  the 
tivo  malefactors  are  broken^  and  the  side  of  Jesus 
is  pierced  with  a  spear.  The  body  of  our  Saviour 
interred  by  Joseph  of  Arimathea  and  Nicodemus, 

J  HE  blessed  Jesus  being  condemned  by  the  una- 
nimous voice  of  the  grand  council  of  the  Jewish  na- 
tion, it  was  resolved,  that  he  should  be  taken  before 
the  Roman  governor,  that  he  might  give  confirmation 
to  their  sentence. 

Csesarea  was  the  general  place  of  residence  of  the 
Roman  governors  of  Judea  :  but  on  occasion  of  the 
great  feasts,  they  repaired  to  Jerusalem,  to  prevent  or 
suppress  tumults,  and  to  administer  justice.  The 
Jews  conducted  our  Saviour  to  the  palace  of  Pontius 
Pilate,  where,  however,  they  refused  to  enter,  that 
they  might  not  defile  themselves,  by  being  under  the 
roof  of  a  Heathen,  whereby  they  would  have  been 
disqualified  for  eating  the  passover. 

To  accomodate  the  Jews  on  occasions  of  this  nature, 
a  structure  called  Gabbatha,  in  the  Hebrew  language, 
was  formed  adjoining  to  the  governor's  palace.  This 
place  was  so  contrived,  that  the  people  could  stand 
in  the  open  air,  round  the  tribunal,  excepting  on  the 
part  which  joined  the  palace,  to  observe  the  judicial 
proceedings.  The  great  Redeemer  of  mankind  being 
brought  to  this  tribunal,  Pilate  ascended  the  judg- 
ment-seat, and  demanded,  \vhat  accusations  the  Jews 
had  to  alledge  against  the  prisoner.  Though  this 
was  both  a  natural  and  a  necessary  question,  it  gave 
much  offence  to  the  captious  Jews  ;  and  they  haughti- 
ly said  that  had  they  not  conceived  him  to  be  a  cri- 
minal highly  meriting  much  severity  of  punishment, 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUK.  235 

they  should  not  have  appealed  to  him  ;  for  they  had 
examined  him,  and  found  him  deserving  to  be  punish- 
ed with  death,  which  the  Roman  laws  prohibited  them 
from  carrying  into  execution.  Thus  was  veriiied  our 
Saviour's  prediction,  concerning  the  manner  in  which 
he  should  be  put  to  death  ;  for  the  Romans  were  ac- 
customed to  crucify  such  strangers  as  were  condemn- 
ed to  die,  which  was  contrary  to  the  practice  of  the 
Jews  ;  who  were,  besides,  restrained  from  inflicting 
death,  except  on  occasion  of  sudden  tumults  and  in- 
surrections. 

The  Jews  now  alledged  against  our  Saviour,  that  he 
had  endeavored  to  excite  an  insurrection  against  the 
Roman  government,  by  prohibiting  the  payment  of 
taxes  to  Caesar,  pretending  that  he  w  as  himself  the 
king  of  the  Jews.  Upon  being  interrogated  by  Pi- 
late, our  Lord  acknowledged  that  he  was  indeed  a 
king  ;  but  he  was  at  the  same  time  averred,  that  he 
did  not  effect  the  power,  splendor,  and  authority  of 
a  temporal  sovereign,  for  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah 
was  in  the  heavenly  Canaan.  The  members  of  the  San- 
hedrim now  advanced  a  variety  of  accusations,  equally 
false  and  malicious,  against  our  blessed  Saviour ; 
who,  however,  disdained  to  speak  in  contradiction  to 
his  malicious  accusers,  lest  it  should  be  imagined, 
that  he  was  terrified  by  the  prospect  of  approaching 
death.  Pilate,  being  unacquainted  Vvith  the  senti- 
ments and  motives  of  Jesus,  asked  him,  why  he  made 
no  attempt  to  refute  the  charges  brought  against  him  ? 
but  he  still  remained  silent,  to  the  great  astonishment 
of  the  governor.  The  question,  as  to  whether  he 
was  a  king  being  again  put  to  Jesus,  he  a  second  time 
acknowledged  the  title ;  saying,  however,  that  his 
regal  dignity  was  not  of  a  nature  to  excite  the  jea- 
lousy of  the  court  of  Rome  ;  for  had  his  kingdom 
been  of  this  world,  he  should  have  raised  armies  to 
defend  him  against  the  power  of  his  enemies  ;  and 


236  THE    HISTORY    OF 

our  Lord  added,  that  he  was  born  to  promote  the 
hapj/iness  of  mankind,  and  to  instil  into  their  minds 
the  knowledge  of  truth.  Upon  this,  Pilate  asked,  what 
was  the  nature  of  that  truth  of  which  he  had  spoken  ? 
but  without  waiting  for  a  reply,  he  addressed  him- 
self the  Jews,  informing  them,  that  he  had  strictly- 
examined  Jesus,  who  appeared  not  to  have  commit- 
ted any  offence,  which,  according  to  the  Roman  law, 
rendered  him  worthy  to  suffer  death. 

But  the  superstitious  and  bigotted  Jews,  persisted 
in  accusing  our  Lord  of  seditious  practices,  saying, 
*'  he  stirred  up  the  people,  beginning  from  Galilee  to 
*'  to  this  place."  Upon  learning  that  our  Saviour 
was  a  Galilean  by  birth,  Pilate  ordered  him  to  be 
conducted  before  Herod,  who  was  then  at  Jerusalem, 
for  examination  ;  saying,  that  the  tetrarch  of  the  pro- 
vince where  the  sedition  was  said  to  have  commenc- 
ed, was  the  proper  judge  to  determine  in  this  case  ; 
since  he  must  necessarily  be  in  possession  of  facts, 
which  would  enable  him  to  pronounce  an  equitable 
decision. 

The  appearance  of  Jesus  afforded  great  pleasure  to 
Herod,  who  hoped  to  see  him  perform  some  great  mi- 
racle :  but  in  this  he  was  disappointed  ;  for  however 
liberal  in  working  miracles  in  favor  of  the  wretched 
and  distressed  of  every  denomination,  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer would  not  exert  his  divine  power  merely  to 
grat'f}^  the  curiosity  of  a  barbarous  tyrant,  who  had 
apostatized  from  the  doctrine  of  John  the  Baptist,  and 
even  caused  his  teacher  to  be  put  to  death.  The 
enemies  of  our  Saviour  accused  him  of  having  assum- 
ed the  character  of  the  Messiah,  and  Herod  proposed 
to  him  divers  questions  on  the  subject  of  the  crime  of 
which  it  v,as  pretended  that  he  was  guilty  :  but  he  de- 
clined making  any  reply,  for  the  same  reasons  which 
had  induced  his  silence  when  before  Pontius  Pilate. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  237 

Herod  declared,  that  he  did  not  believe  Jesus  to  be 
criminal,  or  that  any  part  ot"  his  conduct  had  been  of- 
fensive or  injurious  to  the  government :  but  to  make 
him  an  object  of  derision  for  having  assumed  the  cha- 
racter of  the  Messiah,  he  caused  him  to  be  clothed  in 
a  gorgeous  robe,  and  after  permitting  his  attendants 
to  ridicule  and  insult  him,  sent  him  back  to  Pilate. 

To  gain  popular  applause,  the  Roman  governors 
were  accustomed,  during  the  feast  of  the  passover,  to 
restore  to  liberty  some  prisoner  nominated  by  the 
people.  At  this  time  a  man  named  Barabbas,  who  had 
been  guilty  of  robbery  and  murder,  and  also  the  fo- 
menter  of  a  rebellion,  was  in  confinement ;  and  Pilate 
asked  the  people,  whether  they  were  desirous  he 
should  comply  with  the  annual  custom,  by  releasing 
Jesus  or  Barabbas;  for  he  was  desirous  of  shewing 
lenity  to  our  Saviour,  from  a  persuasion  of  his  inno- 
cence ;  and  also  that  he  might  comply  with  a  request 
made  by  his  wife,  who,  in  consequence  of  a  dream, 
wherein  it  was  represented  to  her  that  her  husband 
would  condemn  our  Lord,  had  interceded  in  his  favor. 
But  the  multitude  decided  in  favor  of  Barabbas  ;  and 
in  consequence  thereof,  Pilate  reminded  them  that, 
although  Jesus  had  been  examined  both  by  Herod 
and  himself,  no  criminal  charge  had  been  proved 
against  him,  and  therefore  he  requested  them  to  in- 
timate in  what  manner  they  wished  him  to  be  dispos- 
ed of.  Upon  this  they  said,  that  so  far  from  desiring 
his  acquital,  they  hoped  the  governor  would  gratify 
them,  by  subjecting  the  prisoner  to  crucifixion,  Pi- 
hite  now  informed  them,  that  he  could  not,  without 
a  manifest  breach  of  justice,  exercise  so  rigorous  a 
punisliment  upon  Jesus  as  they  required,  since  the 
charges  exhibited  against  him  did  not  appear  to  be 
founded  in  truth. 

To  so  extravagant  a  pitch  was  the  rage  of  the  mul 


238  THE     HISTORY    OF 

titude  provoked,  by  the  crafty  and  wicked  insinua- 
tions of  their  priests,  that  all  the  efforts  of  Pilate  to 
appease  their  turbulent  passions  proved  ineffectual. — 
*'  They  cried,  saying.  Crucify  him,  crucify  him.— 
*'  Then  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  Why,  what  evil  hath 
"  he  done  ?  And  they  cried  out  the  more  exceeding- 
*'  ly,  Crucify  him."  Pilate  now  commanded  Jesus 
to  be  scourged,  hoping  that  by  subjecting  him  to  that 
punishment,  he  should  in  some  measure  appease  the 
malice  of  his  enemies.  In  addition  to  the  punish- 
ment they  were  ordered  to  inflict  upon  our  Saviour, 
the  soldiers  scoffed  at  and  ridiculed  him,  and  placed  a 
crown  of  thorns  upon  his  head,  and  clothed  him  in  a 
purple  robe,  and  put  a  reed  into  his  hand  by  way  of 
sceptre,  for  the  purpose  of  deriding  him,  on  account 
of  his  pretensions  to  the  sovereignty  of  the  Jewish  na- 
tion. 

After  our  blessed  Saviour  had  submitted  to  this 
severe  and  disgraceful  punishment,  Pilate  accompa- 
nied him  into  the  judgment  hall,  and  shewed  him  to 
the  populace ;  imagining,  that  when  they  should  be- 
hold his  miserable  condition,  their  obdurate  hearts 
would  relent.  Our  great  and  blessed  Redeemer  ap- 
peared upon  the  marble  pavement  where  the  tribunal 
was  erected,  having  his  face,  hair,  and  shoulders  stain- 
ed with  his  sacred  blood.  But  so  far  was  this  truly 
melancholy  and  pathetic  scene  from  producing  the  ef- 
fect which  the  compassionate  Pilate  expected,  that  it 
served  but  more  violently  to  inflame  the  malice  of 
the  priests ;  who,  apprehending  that  the  populace 
might  relent,  vehemently  urged  Pilate  to  condemn 
him  to  die  by  crucifixion. 

The  populace  being  thus  outrageously  clamorous, 
Pilate  said,  that  since  they  were  obstinately  determin- 
ed upon  the  dc-  '''uction  of  an  innocent  man,  he  would, 
lest  his  opposition  to  their  desires  should  create  a 


I 


OUU    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  239 

popular  tumult,  surrender  him  into  their  power,  that 
they  might  themselves  *  crucify  him  ;  but  he  added, 
that  he  was  himself  Urmly  assured,  that  the  man  whom 
they  sought  to  destroy,  had  not  committed  any  offence 
against  either  their  religious  or  civil  institutions, 
which  would  justify  that  severity  of  punishment  which 
they  seemed  determined  to  inflict  upon  him. 

But  the  Jews  refused  to  exercise  the  privilege  given 
them  by  the  governor,  of  inflicting  punishment  upon 
a  man,  of  whose  innocence,  even  his  judge  had  re- 
peatedly borne  public  testimony  ;  for  they  reflected, 
that  if  they  proceeded  to  the  exercise  of  this  power, 
the  governor  might  afterwards  accuse  them  of  sedi- 
tious practices,  as  his  permission  had  been  extorted 
from  him  by  their  clamorous  proceedings.  Suppos- 
ing him  to  be  guiltless  of  the  other  facts  alledged 
against  him,  they  observed  that  he  had,  by  calling 
himself  the  Son  of  God,  even  in  the  presence  of  the 
council,  committed  an  offence  which  demanded  the 
most  rigorous  punishment. 

In  consequence  of  this  last  representation,  the  anx- 
iety of  Pilate  to  preserve  the  life  of  our  Saviour,  was 
increased  ;  for  he  called  to  his  recollection,  the  great 
and  many  miracles  which  he  had  been  told  Jesus  had 
wrought ;  and  apprehended,  that  he  was  in  reality  of 
divine  origin.  That  mode  of  religious  worship  to 
which  the  governor  adhered,  instructed  him  to  be- 
lieve in  the  existence  of  men  descended  from  gods ; 
and  indeed,  the  Heathens  believed,  that  the  deities 
which  they  worshipped,  sometimes  resided  upon 
earth,  under  the  appearance  of  humanity.  Hence 
Pilate  was   induced  to  interrogate  Jesus,  concerning 

*  Piktcdiil  not  give  them  permission  to  crucify  our  Saviour,  but  sig- 
nified that  if  they  were  determined  to  proceed  to  the  last  extremity, 
they  would  do  itat  thcirperil. 


240  THE    HISTORY    OF 

his  ancestors  and  his  country.  But  our  Lord  declin- 
ed making  any  reply,  lest  the  governor  should  thereby 
be  induced  to  reverse  his  resolution  of  surrendering 
him  into  the  power  of  the  Jews,  who  were  to  crucify 
him. 

This  silence  greatly  surprised  Pilate,  who  asked  our 
Saviour,  why  he  refused  to  answer  him  ;  saying,  that 
he  was  invested  with  power  either  to  restore  him  to 
liberty,  or  to  condemn  him  to  crucifixion.  Here- 
upon our  Lord  said,  that  he  knew  him  to  be  account- 
able to  Caesar  for  every  part  of  his  conduct,  and 
would  forgive  him  any  injury  w^hich  he  might  receive 
from  him,  since  the  fury  of  the  populace  would  con- 
stram  him  to  act  in  contradiction  to  his  own  senti- 
ments. 

Pilate  now  addressed  himself  again  to  the  multitude, 
signifying  his  resolution  to  release  our  Saviour ; 
whereupon  the  chief-priests,  and  rulers  of  Israel,  ve- 
hemently exclaimed,  ''  If  thou  let  this  man  go,  thou 
*'  art  not  Cassar's  friend  :  whosoever  maketh  himself 
*'  a  king,  speaketh  against  Caesar."  This  argument 
had  a  powerful  effect  upon  Pilate,  who  dreaded  the 
idea  of  being  accused  before  the  emperor  Tiberius  : 
knowing  that  he  was  accustomed  to  punish  with  un- 
relenting severity,  those  officers  acting  under  him,  and 
who  were  found  guilty  of  the  slightest  neglect  or 
breach  of  duty. 

Pilate  again  brought  Jesus  before  the  people,  and 
pointing  to  him,  said,  "Behold  your  king;"  by 
which  words,  he  meant  to  ridicule  the  Jews,  on  ac- 
count of  their  expectation  of  a  Messiah.  Greatly 
enraged  by  this  sarcastical  expression,  they  exclaim- 
ed, "•  Away  with  him,  away  with  him  ;  crucify  him." 
Upon  this,  Pilate,  in  the  same  taunting  manner,  asked 
them,  whether  they  wished  him  to  crucify  their  king; 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  ^41 

and  in  rephs  they  said,  they  owed  obedience  to  no 
king  but  Ccesar.  Thus  they  publicly  renounced  their 
hope  of  the  Messiah,  which  the  whole  oecononny  of 
the  Jewish  religion  was  calculated  to  cherish;  and 
they  at  the  same  time  acknowledged  their  subjection 
to  the  Romans,  against  whom  they  afterwards  rebel, 
led. 

All  his  endeavors  for  mitigating  the  rage  of  the 
Jews  proving  ineffectual,  Pilate,  to  shew  the  reluctan- 
cy  with  which  he  delivered  him  up  to  his  enemies, 
called  for  water,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  multitude 
washed  his  liands  ;  by  which  action  he  signified,  that, 
whatever  might  be  the  fiite  of  Jesus,  he  should  him- 
self be  free  from  every  cause  of  censure.  When 
the  governor  had  thus  intimated,  that  he  was  in  no 
respect  the  author  of  the  sufferings  which  Jesus 
had  already  sustained,  or  of  those  further  calami- 
ties which  the  Jews  were  desirous  of  inflicting  upon 
him,  the  whole  multitude  exclaimed,  If  he  be  inno- 
cent, may  th*::  punishments  due  to  the  spilling  of  his 
blood,  fall  upon  us  and  our  posterity. 

'Pilate  now  commanded  Barabbas  to  be  released, 
and  delivered  over  Jesus  to  the  Jews,  in  order  for  being 
crucified.  Our  blessed  Redeemer,  who  was  still  com- 
pelled to  wear  the  crown  of  thorns,  and  the  purple 
robe,  and  to  carry  the  reed  by  way  of  sceptre  in  his 
hand,  was  again  made  the  object  of  public  derision 
and  insult.  Bfing  thus  disguised,  the  multitude 
bowed  their  knees  before  him,  sarcastically  exclaim- 
ing.  Hail,  king  of  the  Jews  !  Having  continued  for 
some  time  to  treat  him  in  this  cruel  and  insulting 
manner,  they  stripped  him  of  the  purple  robe,  and 
taking  the  rtcd  out  of  his  hand,  struck  him  with  it. — 
Having  clothed  him  in  his  own  garments,  the  soldiers 

VOL.     11.  2  c. 


242  THE    HISTORY    OF 

led  him  towards  the  spot  appointed  for  his  crucifix- 
ion. 

No  sooner  did  Judas  perceive  that  the  righteous  Je- 
sus was  condemned  to  suffer  death,  than,  touched 
with  remorse,  on  account  of  his  abominable  treache- 
ry,  he  hastened  to  the  Sanhedrim,  and  made  a  decla- 
ration of  his  repentance.  *'  Then  Judas  which 
*•'  had  betrayed  him,  when  he  saw  that  he  was  con- 
"  demned,  repented  himself,  and  brought  again  the 
"  thirty  pieces  of  silver  to  the  chief-priests  and  el- 
*'  ders,  saying,  I  have  sinned  in  that  I  have  betrayed 
"  the  innocent  blood.  And  they  said,  What  is  that 
*'  to  us  ?  see  thou  to  that.  And  he  cast  down  the 
''  pieces  of  silver,  and  went  and  hanged  himself." 
Matt,  xxvii.  3,  See.  The  rope  by  which  Judas  hung 
himself,  broke,  "  And  falling  head-long,  he  *  burst 
*'  asunder  in  the  midst,  and  all  his  bowels  gushed 
"  out."  Acts  i.  18. 

Judas  threw  down  the  thirty  shekels  in  the  midst 
of  the  council :  but  though  the  priests  secured  the  mo- 
ney, they  declined  depositing  it  in  their  treasury,  be- 
cause they  considered  it  as  being  polluted,  on  account 
of  its  having  been  applied  to  the  purpose  of  betraying 
a  man  who  was  to  sufier  death.  This  money  the  priests 
disposed  of,  in  the  purchase  of  a  spot  of  ground, 
called  the  Potter' s>field,  which  they  converted  into  a 
burying-place  for  such  strangers  as  should  die  at  Je- 
rusalem. The  manner  in  which  this  spot  of  ground 
came  into  the  possession  of  the  priests,  being  pub- 
licly known  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  they 
gave  it  the  name  of  Aceldama,  which  signifies  the 
Field  of  Blood. 

*  Or  probably,  by  the  suddenness  of  the  fall,  the  peiitonseum  broke  ; 
in  consequence  of  wliicb,   the  bowels  descended  into  the  scrotum  ; 
, -which  sometimes  happens  iVomlcap;ng,  or  other  violent  motions  of  the 
lower  parts. 


i 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.    ^  243 

Our  blessed  Saviour  was  compelled  to  walk  to- 
wards Mount  Calvary,  the  place  appointed  for  his 
execution,  bearing  on  his  shoulders  the  cross  on 
which  he  was  to  suffer  :  but  the  fatigue  he  had  sus- 
tained from  the  time  of  being  apprehended,  having 
been  hurried  from  place  to  place,  obliged  to  stand 
during  the  whole  time  of  his  several  examinations, 
the  want  of  food,  and  the  loss  of  blood,  had  so  ex- 
hausted his  strength,  as  to  occasion  him  to  faint  un- 
der his  burden  In  consequence  of  this,  a  native  of 
Cyrene  in  Egypt,  named  Simon,  was  compelled  to 
carry  the  cross  after  our  Lord.  But  the  soldiers  did 
not  appoint  Simon  to  this  office  from  motives  of 
compassion  to  our  Saviour,  but  because  they  appre- 
hended he  might  die  under  his  burden,  and  thereby 
escape  the  punishment  to  which  he  was  destined. 

Our  Saviour  was  followed  by  a  vast  concourse  of 
people,  and  among  these  were  a  great  number  of  wo- 
men who  tenderly  compassionated  his  sufferings.  Ad- 
dressing himself  to  these  females,  our  Lord  bid  them 
not  to  weep  on  account  of  his  sufferings,  but  rather 
to  lament  the  calamities  to  which  their  own  children 
were  destined  ;  saying  those  would  be  the  happiest 
women  who  had  no  issue  ;  for  the  time  was  approach- 
ing, when  the  most  dreadful  calamities  would  over- 
whelm the  people  of  Jerusalem. 

Our  Saviour  was  escorted,  in  company  with  two 
criminals,  who  were  also  to  suffer  crucifixion,  to  the 
spot  called  Golgotha,  or  the  Place  of  Sculls,  on  ac- 
count of  the  great  number  of  bones  of  the  persons 
who  had  there  been  put  to  death,  being  scattered 
about.  The  crosses  being  fixed,  and  every  other 
preparation  made,  some  of  the  people  presented  to 
our  great  Redeemer  a  f  soporific  potion,  which  hav- 

t  St.    Matthew  says,  *'  Vinegar  mixed  with  gall  ;"  St.    Mark, 


244  THE    HISTOltY    OF 

in,e^  tasted,  he  refused  to  drink,  resolved  to  bear  his 
sufferings  wiih  patience  and  foriitude.  He  was  now 
stripped,  and  his  garments  were  divided  into  four 
parts,  so  that  each  of  tiic  quaternions,  who  were  his 
executioners,  might  have  a  share.  The  upper  gar- 
ment being  of  one  piece,  and  without  a  seam,  his 
executioners  cast  lots  for  it.  Thus  our  Saviour  in 
reality,  experienced  what  the  Psalmist  figuratively 
spoke  of  himself,  "■  They  divided  my  garments  among 
**  them,  and  cast  lots  for  my  vesture."  Psalm,  xxii. 
9. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  was  lifted  up  to  the  cross, 
to  which  he  was  affixed  by  nails  being  driven  through 
his  hands  and  feet  ;  and  of  the  two  criminals  above- 
mentioned,  one  was  crucified  on  each  side  of  him — 
Amidst  the  excrutiating  torments  he  endured,  he 
maintained  the  most  unshaken  fortitude,  and  fervently 
prayed  for  his  cruel  persecutors.  "  Father,  said  he, 
*'  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." — 
This  instance  of  a  meek  and  forgiving  temper,  was 
ivorthy  the  only-begotten  Son  of  God. 

Pilate  caused  the  following  inscription  in  Hebrew, 
Greek,  and  Latin,  to  be  placed  over  the  head  of  Je- 
sus :  This  is  Jesus  the  king  of  the  Jews. — 
The  chief  priests  and  elders,  requested  Pilate  to  alter 
the  inscription  thus :  This  is  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
Viho  said  he  was  king  of  the  Jews  :  but  the  gover- 
nor refused  to  comply. 

The  chief  priests  and  elders,  the  soldiers,  and  the 
multitude,  united  in  insulting  our  dying  Redeemer; 
saying,  that  since  he  had  performed  so  many  mira- 
cles, and  pretended  to  a  divine  power  and  authority, 


*•  Wine  m".ng!e:l  with  myrrh."   It  appears,  however,  to  have  been  an 
intoxicating  Hquor,  given  to  ri."n(kr  suffering  persc»ns  les?  sensible  of  pain. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  245 

he  Would  do  well  to  descend  from  the  cross,  in  which 
case  they  would   no  longer  discredit  his  assertions. 

To  add  to  the  indignitj-  of  his  punishment,  our  Lord 
was  crucified  between  two  malefactors  ;  one  of  whom 
insultingly  said  to  him,  "  If  thou  be  Christ,  save 
""  thyself  and  us  :  but  the  other  answering,  rebuked 
*'  him,  saying,  Dost  thou  not  fear  God,  seeing  thou 
"  art  in  the  same  condemnation  ?  And  we  indeed 
''  justly  ;  for  we  receive  the  due  reward  of  our  deeds  : 
"  but  this  man  hath  done  nothing  amiss.  And  he 
"  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remember  me  when  thou 
*'  comest  into  thy  kingdom.  And  Jesus  said  unto 
*'  him,  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  to  day  shalt  thou  be 
*'  with  me  in  paradise."  Luke  xxiii.  39,  &c. 

Near  the  cross  of  our  Saviour,  stood  Mary  his  mo- 
ther, with  Mary  the  daughter  of  Cleopas,  his  mother's 
sister,  and  Mary  Magdalene,  with  John,  the  son  of 
Zebedce.  Addressing  himself  to  his  mother,  our 
Lord  exhorted  her  to  be  comforted,  and  then  recom- 
mended her  to  the  protection  of  John,  enjoining  him 
to  behave  to  her  with  the  respect  and  veneration  that 
would  have  been  due  to  her,  had  she  been  his  own 
mother.  John  faithfully  observed  his  master's  com- 
mand; and  from  the  circumstance  of  his  recommending 
his  mother  to  the  care  of  his  beloved  disciple,  it  may 
be  reasonably  supposed,  that  her  husband  Joseph  was 
at  this  time  deceased, 

Jesus  was  placed  upon  the  cross  about  the  third 
hour  after  the  rising  of  the  sun,  and  about  the  sixth 
hour,  a  preternatural  darkness  overspread  Judea  and 
the  neighboring  countries.  "  About  the  ninth  hour 
"  Jesus  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying  Eli,  Eli,  la- 
"  ma  sabachthani  ?  that  is  to  say.  My  God,  my  God, 
*'  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?"  But  it  must  be  ob- 
served, that  our  Saviour  did  not  mean  to  say  that  he 


246  THE   HISTORY    OF 

was  forsaken  of  God ;  for  according  to  the  Jewish 
mode  of  expression,  persons  laboring  under  afflic- 
tions were  said  to  be  forsaken  by  the  Almighty  ; 
and  in  this  sense,  the  words  of  Jesus  are  to  be  in- 
terpreted. 

Some  of  the  multitude,  not  distinctly  hearing  our 
Lord,  imagined  that  he  invoked  the  prophet  Elias  ; 
and  dipping  a  spunge  in  vinegar,  they  affixed  it  to 
a  reed,  for  the  purpose  of  moistening  his  mouth, 
that  his  life  might  be  prolonged,  till  it  should  be 
known  whether  Elias  would  rescue  him  from  his 
sufferings.  Having  tasted  the  *  vinegar,  our  bles- 
sed Redeemer  said,  **  It  is  finished  ;''  meaning,  that 
the  redemption  of  mankind  was  accomplished ;  and 
then  adressing  himself  to  the  Almighty,  he  said,  "Fa- 
*'  ther,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit." — 
Having  pronounced  these  words,  he  ''  bowed  his 
"  head,  and  gave  up  the  ghost." 

The  death  of  Jesus  was  attended  with  many  pro- 
digies. Without  any  human  force,  the  veil  of  the 
temple  was  rent  asunder ;  the  earth  trembled  to  its 
foundations ;  rocks  were  split,  and  the  bodies  of 
saints  deposited  in  the  sepulchres  hevv^n  therein,  were 
re-animated,  and  many  of  these  holy  persons  were 
seen  at  Jerusalem  after  the  resurrection  of  Christ. 
The  centurion,  and  the  three  soldiers  who  guarded  the 
crosses,  were  so  affected  by  the  earthquakes,  and 
other  wonderful  signs  which  attended  the  death  of 
our  Saviour,  that  they  glorified  the  name  of  the  Al- 
mighty, and  cried  out,  "  Truly  this  was  the  Son 
'^  of  God."  These  prodigies  also  greatly  astonished 
the  multitude,  and  served  to  convince  even  those 
who   had   been  most  urgent  for  the   crucifixion   of 

*  Vinegar  was  a  weak  wine  ;  and  by  its  being  offered  to  Jesus,  were 
fulfilled  the  words  of  David,  "  In  my  thirst  they  gave  me  vinegar  to 
"drink." 


OUR    BLE.SSED    SAVIOUR.  247 

Christ,  that  he  was  justly  entitled  to  the  sacred  cha- 
racter he  had  assumed. 

The  many  wonderful  testimonies  given  by  the  Al- 
mighty in  confirmation  of  the  divinity  of  the  mis- 
sion of  Jesus,  occasioned  a  great  number  of  people 
severely  to  lament,  that  they  had  neglected  the  oppor- 
tunity afforded  them  by  the  governor,  of  preserving 
his  life  ;  and  others  were  stung  with  the  keenest 
pangs  of  remorse,  for  having  been  instrumental  in 
procuring  his  condemnation.  Among  the  spectators 
of  the  distressful  scene  of  our  Saviour's  crucifixion, 
were  a  considerable  number  of  women,  eminently 
distinguished  by  the  righteousness  and  sanctity  of 
their  lives  ;  and  several  of  these  pious  females,  had 
attended  our  Lord  in  his  progress  through  Galilee. 

It  was  prohibited  by  the  law  of  Moses,  that  the  bo- 
dies of  men  who  were  hanged,  should  remain  on  the 
tree  during  the  whole  night.  Our  Saviour  was  cru- 
cified on  a  Friday  ;  and  as  the  sabbath  was  now  ap- 
proaching, the  Jews  requested  that  the  ensuing  day 
might  not  be  polluted  by  the  men  who  had  been  put  to 
death  remaining  on  the  cross,  and  that  their  legs  might 
be  broken  to  hasten  their  death.  Pilate  complied  ; 
and  the  legs  of  the  two  malefactors  were  immediately 
broken :  but  the  executioners  perceiving  that  Jesus 
was  already  dead,  judged  it  unnecessary  to  break  his 
bones.  One  of  the  soldiers,  however,  thrust  his 
spear  into  the  side  of  our  Lord,  and  from  the  wound 
issued  blopd  and  serum  :  and  to  this  circumstance, 
John,  the  son  of  Zebedee,  was  an  eye-witness  ;  and 
he  has  recorded  it  as  an  incontestible  proof  of  the  re- 
ality of  our  Saviour's  passion.  Thus  were  fulfilled 
the  two  following  prophecies  :  *^  A  bone  of  him  shall 
"  not  be  broken  ;  and  they  shall  look  on  him  whom 
*'  they  have  pierced." 


248  THE    HiSTOftY    OV 

Joseph  of  Arimathea,  a  member  of  the  Sanhedrim, 
and  a  man  of  singular  virtue,  regardless  of  the  malice 
of  his  countrymen,  repaired  to  Pilate,  and  begged 
he  might  be  indulged  in  the  privilege  of  dispos- 
ing of  the  body  of  Jesus.  The  governor  complied 
with  this  request ;  and  Nicodemus,  who,  as  we  have 
related,  privately  visited  our  Saviour  by  night,  joined 
Joseph  in  giving  interment  to  the  sacred  relicks  of 
our  great  Redeemer.  Repairing  to  Mount  Calvary, 
they  removed  the  body  from  the  cross,  and  wrapping 
it  in  a  linen  cloth,  with  an  hundred  pounds  of  myrrh 
and  aloes,  which  Nicodemus  had  procured,  they  con- 
veyed it  to  a  garden  adjacent  to  the  mount,  and  de- 
posited it  in  a  sepulchre,  which  Joseph  had  caused  to 
be  hewn  out  of  a  rock,  intending  it  for  the  reception 
of  his  own  remains.  The  tomb  to  which  the  body  of 
the  holy  Jesus  was  consigned,  was  not  entirely  com- 
pleted;  but  Joseph  and  Nicodemus  secured  the  door, 
by  rolling  against  it  a  very  large  stone. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  249 


CHAP.  XXXIX. 

The  women  ivbo  were  present  at  the  interment  of  the 
holy  Jesus  J  purchase  spices  for  the  purpose  of  em- 
balming  the  body.  Pilate  orders  the  sepulchre  of 
Christ  to  be  guarded.  7he  %vomen  repair  to  the  se- 
pulchre of  Jesus,  where  thty  see  two  angels,  one  of 
whom  informs  them  that  Jesus  is  risen  ;  and  this 
circumstance  they  communicate  to  the  apostles, 
Peter  and  John  repair  to  the  sepulchre,  and  are  con- 
vinced of  the  remo'ual  of  the  body.  Jesus  appears 
to  Mary,  and  sends  her  to  the  apostles,  who  disbe- 
lieve her  relation.  Other  women  behold  Jesus,  and 
are  sent  hy  him  to  the  apostles.  The  soldiers  bear 
testimony  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and  the 
priests  bribe  them  to  suppress  the  publication  of  the 
fact.  On  the  road  towards  Emmaus,  Jesus  dis' 
courses  with  tivo  of  his  disciples  ;  and  on  their  re- 
turn to  Jerusalem,  they  declare  that  they  have  seen 
their  Master,  but  are  discredited ;  and  the  testimo- 
ny of  Peter  is  also  disbelieved.  Our  Lord  appears 
to  all  his  aposth's,  except  Thomas;  and  after  con- 
vincing them  of  the  reality  of  his  body ,  promising 
them  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in- 
structing them  in  the  principles  of  their  duty,  he 
breathes  upon  them,  and  disappears,  Thomas  disbe- 
lieves the  testimony  of  his  brethren.  Jesus  ap- 
pears to  Thomas,  and  the  rest  of  his  apostles.  Tho- 
mas acknowledges  his  Master,  who  pronounces  those 
to  be  happy  who  believe  without  occular  demonstra- 
tion. 

JVlARY  Magdalene,  together  with  the  mother  of 
Jesus,  and  several  other  women,  were  present  at  the 
interment  of  Jesus  ;  and  after  the  funeral  ceremony, 

VOL.     II.  2    II 


250  THE    HISTORY    OF 

they  agreed  to  purchase  spices  for  the  purpose  of  em- 
balminr^  the  body  of  their  blessed  Redeemer,  when  the 
sabbath  should  be  concluded,  according  to  the  cus- 
tom of  the  Jewish  nation. 

Upon  the  sabbath  the  chief- priests  came  to  Pilate, 
and  said,  that  since  Jesus,  whom  they  sacrilegiously 
called  an  impostor,  had  frequently  declared,  that  he 
should  rise  from  the  dead,  they  judged  it  highly  ex- 
pedient that  a  guard  should  be  placed  at  the  sepul- 
chre, lest  his  (liscipks  should  remove  the  body,  and 
seduce  the  ignorant  multitude  into  a  belief  of  the  pro- 
phecy concerning  his  resurrection.  The  governor 
acquiesced  in  their  desire;  and  departing  with  the 
soldiers,  they  sealed  the  stone  which  was  placed  at  the 
entrance  of  the  tomb,  and  enjoined  the  men  to  the 
most  vigilant  attention  to  their  duty,  until  the  end  of 
the  third  day. 

Before  the  break  of  day  on  the  Sunday,  and  about 
six  and  thirty  hours  after  the  body  of  Christ  had  been 
deposited  in  the  sepulchre,  Mary  Magdalene,  Mary 
the  mother  of  James,  with  Salome,  and  other  women, 
came  to  the  sepulchre,  in  order  to  embalm  the  body 
of  the  holy  Jesus,  with  the  spices  which  they  had 
purchased  on  the  preceding  Friday  ;  Nicodemus 
having,  as  we  have  observed,  furnished  only  myrrh 
and  aloes.  While  they  were  on  the  road,  an  earth- 
quake happened,  which  we  may  suppose  to  have  been 
the  prelude  to  the  most  memorable  event  to  which 
mankind  have  been  witnesses.  The  women  had 
been  much  troubled,  from  an  apprehension  of  their 
incapacity  to  remove  the  stone  from  the  entrance  of 
the  cave  ;  but  this  was  performed  by  an  angel  of  the 
Almighty,  after  which  our  blessed  Redeemer  depart- 
ed from  tlie  tomb  ;  and  the  soldiers,  being  thrown 
into  the  utmost  consternation,  fled  into  the  city,  "  In 
*'  the  end  of  the  sabbath,  as  it  began  to  dawn  towards 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  2ol 

''  the  first  clay  of  the  week,  came  Mary  Magdalene, 
•^  and  the  other  Mary,  to  see  the  sepulchre.  And 
"  behold,  there  was  a  great  earthquake,  for  the  ang-el 
"  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and 
*'  rolled  back  the  stone  from  the  door,  and  sat  uijon 
''  it.  His  countenance  was  like  lightning-,  nnd  his 
*'  raiment  white  as  snow.  And  for  fear  of  him  the 
*'  keepers  did  shake,  and  became  as  dead  men." — 
Matt,   xxvii.   1,   &c. 

The  removal  of  the  stone  from  the  entrance  of  the 
sepulchre,  greatly  surprized  the  women,  who  ima- 
gined that  the  body  of  Jesus  had  been  taken  from  the 
tomb  by  his  sacrilegious  enemies  :  but  their  astonish- 
ment was  increased  to  the  highest  degree,  upon  be- 
holding an  angel  clothed  in  a  white  garment,  who  ui- 
formed  them  that  Jesus  was  risen  from  the  dead,  and 
ordered  them  to  go  into  the  cave,  and  convince  them- 
selves that  the  body  was  not  there.  The  angel  also 
commanded  them  to  inform  the  disciples,  and  par- 
ticularly *  Peter,  of  the  resurrection  of  their  Master; 
and  that  he  was  departed  into  Galilee,  where  he 
would  appear  to  them. 

Upon  entering  the  sepulchre,  the  women  beheld 
another  angel  ;  and  were  struck  with  such  awe  by 
the  appearance  of  this  heavenly  messenger,  as  to  be 
on  the  point  of  retiring  ;  but  he  graciously  encouraged 
them  to  proceed  further  into  the  cave,  where  they 
perceived  the  linen  in  which  the  body  of  Jesus  had 
been  wrapped,  and  rilso  the  napkin  which  had  bound 
his  head.  Notwithstanding  the  assurances  they  had 
received  from  the  two  angels,  they  were  not  firmly 
persuaded  of  the   resurrection  of  their  Master ;  and 

*  Peter  is  here  particularized,  not  as  the  chief  of  the  apostles,  but  for 
the  purpose  ofaftbrdint;  Iv"  consolation,  and  to  remove  the  apprehen- 
sion that  he  had  forfeited  the  privilege  of  being  numbered  among  the 
disciples  by  the  threefold  denial  of  Christ. 


252  THE    HISTORY    OP 

therefore  the  celestial  ambassadors  gently  reproved 
their  incredulitj',  reminding  them  at  the  same  time 
of  our  Lord's  predictions  concerning  himself.  *'  Why 
"  seek  }'e  the  living  among  the  dead  ?  He  is  not  here, 
"  but  is  risen :  remember  how  he  spake  unto  you  when 
*'  he  was  in  Galilee,  saying,  The  Son  of  man  must  be 
"  delivered  into  the  hands  of  sinful  men,  and  be  cru- 
"  cified,  and  the  third  dav  rise  again."  Luke  xxiv. 
5,  6,7. 

Departing  from  thesepulchre  of  the  blessed  Jesus, 
the  women  hastened  to  acquaint  the  eleven  apos- 
ties  with  v>  hat  had  occurred  ;  but  they  were  careful 
not  to  divulge  these  particulars  to  any  of  the  persons 
whom  they  met  on  the  way,  lest  they  should  ex- 
pose themselves  to  the  resentment  of  the  Sanhedrim. 
The  women  communicated  what  they  had  heard  and 
seen  to  the  apostles  ;  but  they  gave  *  no  credit  to 
their  relation.  Then  Mary  Magdalene,  taking  Peter 
and  John  apart,  assured  them,  that  she  had  visited 
the  tomb  ;  and  that  if  Jesus  was  not  risen  from  the 
dead,  his  body  was  removed  from  the  place  where- 
in she  had  seen  it  deposited.  Hereupon  Peter  and 
John,  followed  by  INlary,  hastened  to  the  sepulchre ; 
and  John  being  the  younger  man,  he  first  arrived 
there,  and  stooping,  looked  into  the  tomb,  but  per- 
ceived nothing  but  the  linen  clothes,  in  which  the 
corps  of  our  holy  Redeemer  had  been  wrapped—— 
Presently  after  came  Peter,  who  entering  the  sepul- 
chre, saw  *'  the  linen  clothes  lie,;  and  the  napkin 
*'  that  was  about  his  head,  not  lying  with  the  linen 
*'  c'othes,  but  vvrapjjed  together  in  a  place  by  itself." 
John  now  went  into  the  tomb,  and  having  carefully  ex- 

*  The  doubts  of  the  apostles  on  the  subject  of  their  Master's  resur- 
rection, destroys  as  ])robability  of  their  being  imposed  upon-  1"  rom 
their  coubts,  s:iys  one  of  the  ancients,  we  sho-j  Id  deduce  a  confirmation 
of  our  faith  ;  and  the  more  difficulty  they  shewed  in  believinj^  Christ's 
resurrection,  the  stronsfrr  renson  is  there  to  induce  us  to  n  belief  of  tbat 
evciir. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUU.  2,53 

amined  it,  concurred  with  Peter  in  a  belief,  that  the 
body  of  their  Master  had  been  stolen  :  for  none  of 
the  apostles  had  yet  formed  an  accurate  comprehen- 
sion of  the  predictions  of  our  Saviour  concerning  his 
resurrection.  Peter  and  John>  v/ho  were  much  afflict- 
ed by  the  supposition  that  the  body  of  their  Master 
had  been  taken  away  by  the  Jews,  now  returned  to 
their  respective  habitations. 

Mary  Magdalene  continued  for  some  time  weeping 
without  the  tomb,  which  she  at  length  entered,  in  or- 
der once  more  to  view  the  place  v^^here  the  sacred  re- 
lics of  her  beloved  Master  had  been  deposited.  She 
was  no  sooner  within  the  sepulchre,  than  she  perceiv- 
ed two  angels  clothed  in  white  robes,  one  standing 
where  the  head,  and  the  other  where  the  feet  of  Jesus 
had  lain.  Upon  beholding  these  heavenly  messengers, 
she  was  greatly  terrified  ;  but  in  a  most  endearing  ac- 
cent, one  of  them  asked  her  the  occasion  of  her  sor- 
row. She  answered,  "  Because  they  have  taken  away 
**  my  Lord,  and  1  know  not  where  they  have  laid 
**  him."  She  had  no  sooner  pronounced  these  words, 
than  turning  aside,  she  beheld  Jesus  :  but  her  terror, 
and  the  garment  in  which  he  was  then  clothed, 
prevented  her  immediately  recognizing  his  person, 
Jesus  repeated  the  question  proposed  to  her  by  the 
angel,  **  Woman,  why  weepest  thou  ?"  Mary,  now 
mistaking  him  for  the  proprietor  of  the  garden  where- 
in the  grave  was  situated,  said,  that  if  he  had  taken 
the  body  from  off  his  premises,  and  would  inform  her 
where  it  was,  she  would  cause  it  to  be  deposited  in  a 
place  from  whence  a  further  removal  would  be  unne- 
cessary. 

Jesus  now  addressed  Mary  by  name  ;  and  regarding 
him  more  earnestly,  she  recognized  her  Master,  and 
prostrating  herself,  would  have  embraced  his  knees: 
but  he  declined  this  compliment,  saying,  that  before 


254  THE    HrSTOKY    OF 

his  ascension  into  heaven,  she  would  have  frequent 
opportunities  of  manifesting  her  regard  ;  and  com- 
manding her  to  hasten  to  the  apostles,  and  inform 
them  that  the  time  was  approaching,  when  he  should 
go  into  the  presence  of  f  his  God,  who  was  also  the 
God  of  all  his  irue  disciples.  '■'■  Go  to  my  brethren, 
"  and  say  unto  them,  1  ascend  to  my  Father,  and  your 
*••  Father  ;   and  to  my  God,  and  your  God." 

The  happy  relation  between  God  and  man,  which 
had  been  long  cancelled,  was  now  renewed.  The 
children  of  sinful  men,  were  exalted  to  the  honor  of 
being  deemed  the  brethren  of  Christ.  The  apostles 
deserted  their  Master,  when  he  was  under  circum- 
stances of  the  most  extreme  distress  :  but  notwith- 
standing this,  he  was  graciously  pleased  to  pardon 
them,  and  to  assure  them  of  the  continuance  of  his 
affection,  by  distinguishing  them  by  the  endearing  ap- 
pellation of  brethren. 

The  angels  kept  themselves  invisible  in  the  sepul- 
chre, during  the  presence  of  James  and  John  ;  and 
indeed,  none  of  the  male  disciples  were  honored  with 
the  first  visions  of  the  angels,  or  with  the  immediate 
news  of  the  resurrection  of  the  Son  of  God.  When 
our  Saviour  was  reduced  to  the  utmost  extremity  of 
distress,  he  was  deserted  by  his  male  disciples,  whose 
faith  was  so  weak,  that  when  they  saw  him.  expire 
upon  the  cross,  they  absolutely  despaired  of  his  being 
the  Messiah.  But  on  this  melancholy  occasion,  the 
women  shewed  an  uncommon  degree  of  magnanimity. 

t  Because  Christ  here  calls  the  Father  his  God,  as  well  as  the  God 
of  his  disciples,  the  Soclnians  contend,  that  Christ  i?  not  God  :  but  from 
the  words,  '•  My  God  and  your  God,"  it  only  follows,  that  he  was 
not  God  according  to  that  nature  which  ascended.  Thus  speaking  of 
Christ,  the  Psalmist  says,  "  God,  even  thy  God,huth  anointed  thee  :'* 
and  he  adds  of  the  same  person,  "  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever 
*'  and  ever." 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  255 

They  attended  the  blessed  Jesus  in  his  expiring  mo- 
ments, and,  after  his  decease,  accompanied  the  body- 
to  the  place  of  interment,  where  they  manifested  the 
most  pious  veneration  towards  their  deceased  Master, 
of  whose  resurrection  they  entertained  a  firm  belief. 
Thus  the  strength  of  their  faith  procured  the  women 
the  distinguished  honor  of  being  favored  by  the  divine 
aj>probation,  in  the  circumstance  of  the  resurrection 
of  the  holy  Jesus  being  first  communicated  to  them. 

It  is  evident  from  the  above  circumstances,  that 
Mary  Magdalene  was  the  earliest  witness  of  the  resur- 
rection of  Christ :  but  the  apostles  and  disciples, 
seemed  to  have  forgotten  the  promises  of  their  divine 
Master.  The  other  women  having  likewise  gone  to 
the  sepulchre  a  second  time,  and  discovered  that  the 
body  was  gone,  returned  towards  the  apostles,  to  tell 
them  the  fact,  but  were  met  by  our  Saviour,  whose 
person  they  immediately  recognized  ;  whereupon, 
though  terrified  with  apprehensions  inspired  by  the 
awful  occasion,  they  fell  at  his  feet,  and  did  him  ho- 
mage. 

Our  Saviour,  with  a  benevolence  that  ever  marked 
his  divine  character,  raised  them  from  the  earth,  bade 
them  dissijiate  their  fears,  and  go  to  the  apostles, 
whom  he  distinguished  by  the  appelhition  of  "  Bre- 
•'  thren  ;"  and  inform  them  that  he  was  proceeding 
towards  Galilee,  where  they  would  find  him. 

In  the  interim  some  of  the  soldiers,  who  had  been 
stationed  to  watch  the  sepulchre,  having  been  eye- 
witnesses of  the  angels,  and  the  resurrection  of  our 
blessed  Lord,  repaired  to  the  city,  and  informed  the 
chief-priests  of  what  had  passed  :  on  which  the  San- 
hedrim was  assembled,  and  it  was  proposed  by  the 
priests  that  the  soldiers  should  be  bribed  ;  in  conse- 
quencc  of  which  a  sum  of  money  was  given  them,  in 


236  THE    HISTORY    OF 

consideration  of  their  affirming  that  the  body  was  sto- 
len while  they  slept;  and  they  were  likewise  told, 
that  if  the  governor  should  be  informed  of  what  might 
be  reported,  no  harm  should  arise  to  the  reporters. 
The  soldiers  received  the  money,  and  did  as  they 
were  directed  ;  and,  for  many  years,  their  story  ob- 
tained credit.  Jesus  likewise  made  his  appearance  to 
Peter  ;  but  we  have  no  record  of  the  particulars  that 
passed  at  this  meeting. 

Two  of  the  disciples  going  to  Emmaus  *  on  the 
same  day,  and  conversing  respecting  our  Redeemer 
and  his  crucifixion,  were  met  by  him  ;  whom,  howe- 
ver, they  knew  not,  as  they  had  not  any  expectation 
of  an  event  so  extraordinary  as  the  resurrection. 

When  our  Saviour  had  enquired  into  the  subject  of 
their  discourse,  and,  in  particular,  what  made  them  i! 
so  dejected,  one  of  them,  named  Cleopas,  answered, 
as  it  is  recorded  by  St.  Luke,  "  Art  thou  only  a  stran- 
**  ger  in  Jerusalem,  aud  hast  not  known  the  things 
"which  are  come  to  pass  there  in  these  days  ?" — 
Hereupon  our  Saviour  demanded  what  it  was  that  had 
fallen  out  so  very  extraordinary.  Cleopas  expressed 
his  astonishment,  that  he  could  be  ignorant  of  events 
so  generally  known,  and  the  subject  of  almost  uni- 
versal conversation.  He  mentioned  the  crucifixion 
of  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  who  "  was  a  prophet,  mighty 
'*  in  deed  and  word,  before  God,  and  all  the  people  :" 
adding,  that  "•  the  chief  priests  and  rulers  delivered 
*'  him  to  be  condemned  to  death  ;"  but  that  they 
trusted  he  was  the  true  Messiah,  who  was  to  be  the 
Redeemer  of  mankind  i  but  as  he  had  been  dead  three 
days,  their  hopes  began  to  vanish,  even  though  some 
women  of  their  own  society  had  informed  them  that 
ihey  had  seen  a  vision  of  angels  in  the  morning,  who 

*  Emmiiiis  was  about  seven  miles  and  a  half  from  Jerusalem. 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUll.  257 

told  them  that  the  Messiah  was  still  living,  and  that 
this  information  was  confirmed,  as  to  the  seimlclire 
being  empty,  by  some  of  the  disciples  having  visited 
the  place  in  the  morning. 

Jesus  now  reprobated  the  narrowness  of  their  ideas, 
which  had  not  formed  a  clear  conception  of  what  had 
been  predicted  by  the  prophets  ;  and  had  so  ill  un- 
derstood his  own  explanation  of  the  prophecies,  that 
they  could  not  comprehend,  that  by  the  express  ap- 
pointment of  God,  our  Saviour  '*  was  to  have  suffer- 
**  ed  these  things,  and  to  enter  into  his  glory."  He 
then  began  with  Moses,  and  proceeding  dirough  the 
prophetical  writings,  he  explained  to  them  all  the 
scriptural  writings  respecting  himself.  Thus  they 
conversed  till  they  advanced  near  the  village  of  Eni- 
maus,  when  Jesus  appeared  as  if  he  would  have  gone 
farther  ;  but  they  pressed  him  to  remain  with  them, 
as  the  evening  was  advancing.  Our  Saviour  com- 
plied  with  their  request,  and  while  he  was  at  supper 
with  them,  '*  he  took  bread,  and  blessed  it,  and  brake 
"it,  and  gave  to  them:"  on  which,  in  the  elegant 
phrase  of  scripture,  "  their  eyes  were  opened,  and 
"  they  knew  him,  and  he  vanished  out  of  their  sight. 
"  And  they  said  one  to  another,  did  not  our  hearts 
'*  burn  within  us,  while  he  talked  with  us  by  the  way, 
*'  and  while  he  opened  to  us  the  scriptures  ?" 

They  lost  not  any  time  in  returning  to  Jerusalem, 
where  they  found  the  apostles  assembled,  with  others 
of  Christ's  disciples,  who  had  been  informed  of  the 
resurrection.  To  these  they  mentioned  the  circum- 
stances of  meeting  with  our  Saviour,  his  conversa- 
tion, and  his  being  known  to  them  during  the  break- 
ing of  bread. 

While  they  were  in  conversation,  Jesus  appeared 
personally    before    them,   and    saluted   them   with, 

VOL.     II.  2    I 


258  -     THE    HISTORY    OF 

"  Peace  be  unto  you."  But  they  were  terrified  to  such 
a  degree,  that  they  supposed  it  was  a  ghost  that  ap- 
peared before  them.  Hereupon  Jesus  said,  *'  Behold 
"  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself.  Handle 
*'  me  and  see  :  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones, 
"  as  ye  see  me  have."  After  having  thus  expressed 
himself,  he  shewed  them  his  hands  and  his  feet ;  but 
yet  some  of  them  were  incredulous,  and  expressed  a 
kind  of  joy  mixed  with  wonder,  if  what  they  hoped 
might  prove  to  be  true. 

Still  farther  to  convince  them   of  the  certainty  of 
his  resurrection,  and  of  his  re-assuming  the  human 
form  and  powers,  our  Saviour  demanded  if  they  had 
any  thing  to  eat  ;   on  which  they  produced  a  piece  of 
a  broiled  fish  and  a  honey-comb,  of  which   he  ate  in 
their  presence,  and  then  addressed  them  in  terms  to 
the  following  purport :  You  must  be  now  convinced, 
that  all  which  I  spake  unto  you  while  I  was  in   my 
state  of  humanity,  respecting  what  is  written  of  me 
by  Moses,  and  the  prophets,  and  in  the  Psalms  con- 
cerning me,  must  be  fulfilled.     Then  opened  he  their 
understanding,  that  they  might  understand  the  scrip- 
tures, and  commissioned  them  to  begin  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel  at  Jerusalem,  and  to  promulgate  its  doc- 
trines through  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.     He  em- 
powered them   to  preach   repentance,   pardon,  and   a 
consequent  remission  of  sins,  in  his  name,  and  among 
all   nations;   and  instructed  them,  that  as  they  had 
been  witnesses  of  what  had  passed,  they  could  vouch 
for  the  authenticity   of  his   doctrine,   and  the  divine 
authority  of  his  precepts.     He  then  gave  them  his  sa- 
cred benediction  ;   saying,   "  As  my  Father  hath  sent 
"  me,   even   so   I   send  you  :"  Follow  my  example  ; 
pursue  the   gracious  plan   I  have  laid   down,   and  by 
the  divine  assistance,  you  may  preach  the  gospel,  not 
in  Judea  only,  but  through  the  world,  and  uivite  per- 
sons of  all  degrees  to  the  acceptance  of  the  glorious 


OUU    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  2j9 

terms  held  out  by  the  dispensation  of  the  gospel ; 
the  profession  of  which,  afier  public  baptism,  will 
ensure  eternal  happiness  ;  as  on  the  contrary,  a  re- 
jection, after  equal  profession,  will  entail  misery  as 
lasting  as  severe^''. 

In  order  to  convince  the  apostles  of  the  divine  au- 
thority with  which  he  invested  them,  our  great  Re- 
deemer told  them,  that  he  would  invest  them  with  the 
following  powers  : — that  in  his  name  they  should  cast 
out  devils  ;  that  they  should  speak  with  new  tongues  ; 
(that  is,  in  languages  which  they  had  never  studied  ;) 
that  they  should  have  the  power  of  grasping  noxious 
animals  without  injury,  and  the  still  superior  power  of 
healing  the  sick,  merely  by  the  imposition  of  their 
hands':  in  fact,  that  the  malignancy  of  all  distempers 
should  yield  to  the  sacred  power  with  which  they 
were  entrusted. 

By  the  gospel  according  to  St.  John,  we  find,  that 
after  our  blessed  Saviour  had  thus  commissioned  his 
followers  to  perform  the  will  of  God,  "  he  breathed 
"  on  them,  and  said.  Receive  ye  the  Holy  Ghost :" 
that  he  empowered  them  to  remit  the  punishments 
due  to  sin,  and  to  retain  the  disorders  of  the  impeni- 
tent. 

At  this  time  Thomas,  who  was  surnamed  Didy. 
mus,  was  not  present  with  the  other  apostles  :  and 
when  he  came,  and  was  informed  by  them  that  they 
had  seen  the  Lord,  so  great  was  his  incredulity,  that 
he  could  not  place  any  confidence  in  their  assertions  ; 
but  declared  that  he  would  not  believe  the  story,  ex- 
cept he  should  see  Christ  himself,  and  have   occular 

*  In  the  xvith  chapter  of  St.  Mark,  verses  1 5;  and  1 6,  it  is  thu':  wrt- 
ten  :  *'  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach 
"  the  gospel  to  every  creature.     He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized,  shall 

be  saved  ;  but  he  that  believeth  not,  shall  be  damned." 


260  THE    HISTOKY    OF 

demonstration  of  the  fact.  He  even  went  farther  ; 
saying,  "  except  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  the  print  of 
**  the  nails,  and  put  my  finger  into  the  print  of  the 
"  nails,  and  thrust  my  hand  into  his  side,  I  will  not 
"  believe."  John  xx.  25. 

At  the  expiration  of  eight  days,  the  eleven  disci- 
ples being  assembled  in  consequence  of  an  expected 
visit  from  'he  Saviour,  an  1  Thomas  being  likewise  in 
their  company,  the  door  was  made  fast;  yet  Jesus 
appeared  among  them",  and  said,  "  Peace  be  unto 
"  you  ;"  and  addressing  himself  particularly  to  Tho- 
mas, he  said,  "  Reach  hither  thy  finger,  and  behold 
*'  my  hand  :  and  reach  hither  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it 
"  into  my  side  :  and  be  not  faithless,  but  believ- 
*'  ing." 

Thomas  appeared  now  to  be  ashamed  of  his  former 
incredulity,  and  in  the  genuine  spirit  of  faith  and  con- 
viction, acknowledged  Christ  as  his  Lord  and  his 
God.  To  this  Jesus  replied,  "  Thomas,  because 
*'  thou  hast  seen  me,  thou  hast  believed  :  blessed  are 
"  they  that  have  not  seen,  and  yet  have  believed." 
Having  said  this,  our  Redeemer  quitted  the  compa- 
ny. 

Thus  have  we,  in  as  short  a  compass  as  possible, 
endeavored  to  deliver  a  plain  narrative  of  the  life  and 
and  transactions  of  our  blessed  Saviour  ;  and  we  hope 
and  trust  that  his  bright  example  will  be  copied,  as 
far  as  it  can  be,  consistent  with  the  frailties  of  morta- 
lity ;  and  that  those  who  read  this  history,  may  be  in- 
spired with  an  ardent  wish  to  be  humble  imitators  of 
a  conduct,  which  the  mere  efforts  of  human  nature 
cannot  arise  to  ;  but  which,  by  the  assistance  of  the 
divine  power,  it  is  the  duty  of  every  one  to  imitate, 
and  to  shew,  by  his  practice,  that  he  is  a  Christian 
in  something  more  than  in  name.   We  now  proceed  to 


OUR    BLESSED    SAVIOUR.  261 

a  recital  of  the  lives  of  the  apostles  ;  which  we  pre- 
sume, will  adduce  stili  farther  proofs  to  those  we  have 
already  given,  of  the  solid  importance  of  the 
Christian  Faith,  and  the  sacred  obligation  we  are 
all  under  to  live  in  a  way  which  may  not  disgrace  the 
holy  religion  we  profess  ! 


i^#^^^i|^E»#^^#.^l0^#^^^l0l0l0^l^0^^i:^ll^#^#¥^#l^^^0^ 


HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


OF    THE 


LIVES  OF  THE  APOSTLES,  S^x, 


^0m 


mfi^mmMfi^A0i^^^^^^fif^0^^fiif^p^0Si0^^0!>mm^m^^^^ff^ 


HISTORICAL  ACCOUNT 


OF    THE 


LirES  of  the  APOSTLES,   S^x. 


The  life  of  St.  PETER. 


ThI! 


;S  apostle  was  a  native  of  Bethsaida  in  Gali- 
lee, a  city  delightfully  stationed  on  the  borders  of  the 
lake  of  Genesareth,  otherwise  called  the  Sea  of  Ga- 
lilee ;  near  which  was  a  wilderness,  to  which  our  Sa- 
viour used  to  retire  occasionally  for  the  sake  of  me- 
ditation. 

It  is  not  possible  to  ascertain  the  year  in  which  this 
apostle  was  born  :  but  there  is  good  reason  to  believe, 
that  he  was  born  full  ten  years  before  Christ ;  since, 
previous  to  his  becoming  a  disciple  of  his  divine  Mas- 
ter, he  had  entered  into  the  married  state  ;  and  there 
are  several  instances  of  his  being  treated  with  singu- 
lar respect  by  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  by  the  gravity 
of  his  appearance, 

VOL.    II.  2    K 


266  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

Peter  was  legally  descended  from  Abraham,  an^j  of 
course,  circumcised  accordinjj  to  the  ritual  of  the 
Mosaic  system.  The  name  given  him  by  his  parents, 
was  Simon,  or  Symeon,  a  very  common  appellation 
among  ihe  Jews,  at,  and  soon  before  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Christian  zera.  After  he  became  a  disci- 
ple of  Christ,  the  name  of  Cephas  was  bestowed  on 
him,  which  in  the  Syriac,  \the  vulgar  language  of  the 
Jews  at  that  period,)  signified  a  stone,  or  rock.  The 
Greek  word  for  this  name  is  Fetros'^,  which  in  En- 
glish is  rendered  Peter, 

Of  the  parents  of  this  apostle,  the  evangelists  give 
not  any  farther  information,  than  that  his  father  was 
named  Jonah,  who  was  so  highly  favored  by  Christ, 
that  he  made  choice  of  his  son  Andrew,  as  well  as  St. 
Peter,  to  be  one  of  his  apostles  ;  and  of  consequence, 
a  promulgator  of  those  doctrines,  on  which  true 
christians  fix  their  firmest  hopes  of  reliance. 

In  his  early  years,  St.  Peter  was  employed  in  the 
business  of  fishing  on  the  lake  of  Bethsaida  ;  and 
others  of  the  apostles  w^ere  likewise  of  the  same  hum- 
ble occupation.  Thus  we  see,  that  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour chose  not  his  servants  from  the  high  and  mighty, 
but  from  the  lower  orders  of  mankind  ;  whence  a  plain 
reference  may  be  reasonably  drawn,  that  God  is  no 
respecter  of  persons  ;  or,  that  if  he  does  make  a  dif- 
ference, it  is  in  favor  of  the  low,  the  humble,  the  dif- 
fident, and  unassuming. 

St.  Peter,  from  his  youth,  was  trained  to  the  pro- 
fession  of  fishing,  and  dwelled  on  the  borders  of  the 
lake  of  Bethsaida,  w  hich  was  distinguished  for  its  ex- 
cellent fish.  Having  followed  his  business  for  a  consi- 
derable time,  he  became  an  inhabitant  of  Capernaum, 

*  This  word  signifies  a  stofie,  ovroc/c. 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  367 

where  he  kept  a  house,  and  paid  his  tribute  at  the  time 
that  Christ  began  to  discharge  the  important  business 
which  had  occasioned  Iiis  mission  to  earth.  History 
informs  us,  that  Helen,  the  mother  of  the  celebrated 
Constantine  the  Great,  in  honor  of  the  memory  of 
St.  Peter,  built  a  superb  church,  on  the  spot  where- 
on the  house  of  that  apostle  had  been  erected. 

Peter  followed  his  occupation  of  fishing  at  Caper- 
naum, which  was  exceedingly  well  calculated  for  the 
pursuit  of  his  business,  and  where  he  might  support 
his  family  by  the  honest  profits  of  his  industry.  It  is 
but  too  common  for  persons  in  the  higher  ranks  of  life, 
to  treat  with  indifference  at  least,  if  not  with  contempt, 
those  of  whom,  from  a  false  pride,  they  have  been 
taught  to  look  on  as  their  inferiors  :  but  it  should  be 
remembered,  to  the  degradation  of  human  insolence, 
that  with  God  there  are  no  distinctions,  but  what  are 
marked  by  the  gradations  of  virtue  and  vice  ;  and 
that,  in  his  eye,  a  pious  beggar  is  of  more  estima- 
tion than  a  wicked  prince  ;  and  that,  however  differ- 
ent and  distinct  may  be  our  fate  in  this  sublunary 
world,  the  time  will  mfallibly  come,  when  all  distinc- 
tions shall  be  forgotten,  except  those  which  arise 
from  the  supereminence  of  a  religious  life,  to  that  of 
careless  indifference,  or  abandoned  profligacy. 

We  are  not  informed  by  the  scriptural  records,  that 
St.  Peter  was  of  any  particular  sect ;  but  we  learn, 
that  Andrew  his  brother,  was  one  of  the  most  zealous 
followers  of  our  Saviour  :  nor  is  it  probable,  but  that 
he  who  was  anxious  to  carry  to  his  brother  the  ear- 
liest intelligence  of  the  great  Messiah,  must  be  as  anx- 
ious to  introduce  him  to  John  the  Baptist,  the  great 
fore-runner  of  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  Peter's  sin- 
gular curiosity  at  the  information  that  Christ  would 
visit  and  converse  with  him,  furnishes  at  least  a  colla- 
teral proof,  that  the  preaching  and  declarations  of  St. 


268  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PETER. 

John  had  made  a  strong  impression  on  his  mind,  and 
prepared  him  for  the  reception  of  his  divine  Visitor. 

Jesus  paid  not  his  first  visit  to  the  apostle,  till  he 
was  thirix  years  of  age,  and  had  been  baptized  by  John 
in  the  river  Jordan  ;  where  his  commission  as  an 
age  nt  of  the  divine  mercy,  w^as  most  solemnly  attest- 
ed, and  generally  acknowleged.  After  the  baptism 
of  our  Lord,  he  was,  as  some  of  our  writers  express 
it,  'Miurried  into  the  wilderness;"  wdiere  he  re- 
mained forty  days  in  a  contest  with  the  devil,  and 
was  finally  victorious. over  that  grand  enemy  of  the 
human  race. 

Immediately  thereon,  he  preceeded  to  Bethabara  be- 
yond Jordan,  where  the  apostle  John  was  then  em- 
ployed in  baptizing  the  converts  to  the  Christian 
faiih  ;  and  replying  to  certain  Jews,  who  had  been 
deputed  by  their  brethren  to  enquire  into  the  veracity 
of  the  reports  respecting  the  expected  Messiah,  the 
great  Redeemer  of  mankind.  The  apostle,  with  a 
veracity  that  marked  his  character,  informed  them  of 
all  he  knew  respecting  the  Redeemer  of  mankind  ;  and 
in  a  short  time,  acquainted  his  followers  who  he  was  : 
on  which  two  of  them  followed  the  Author  of  their  sal- 
vation, one  of  whom  was  Andrew  the  brother  of  Peter. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  following  day,  St.  Arf^ 
drew  repaired  to  his  brother,  to  inform  him  that  he 
had  beheld  the  expected  Messiah  ;  and  expressed  him- 
self with  rapture  on  the  delivery  of  the  glad  tidings 
so  long  expected,  and  so  anxiously  hoped  for. 

Peter,  who  was  of  the  number  of  those  who  had  pa- 
tiently awaited  for  that  redemption  which  had  been 
expected,  followed  his  brother  to  the  place  where  Je- 
sus was  ;  and  when  they  arrived,  Christ  gave  evident 
testimony  of  his  divinity,  by  calling- Peter  by  his  pro- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  269 

per  name,  mentioning  his  family  and  relations,  and 
acquainting  him  with  the  title  by  which  he  would  soon 
be  distinguished. 

We  learn  not  from  sacred  writ,  whether  the  bro- 
thers constantly  attended  on  our  Saviour  from  this 
period  :  but  it  seems  probable,  that  they  remained 
with  him  till  they  had  received  such  instructions  as 
might  enable  them  to  pursue  their  ministration  of 
divine  knowledge,  and  then  returned  to  their  em- 
ployment as  fishermen. 

By  this  time,  the  Saviour  of  mankind  had  exerci- 
sed his  holy  and  benevolent  function  for  more  than 
twelve  months  ;  when  the  frequency  of  his  preaching, 
and  the  constant  success  of  his  miracles,  so  greatly 
advanced  his  fame  throughout  Judea,  that  immense 
numbers  of  people  repaired  to  hear  him  preach,  and 
to  be  witnesses  of  the  wonderful  acts  which  he  per- 
formed. 

The  crowds  of  people  that  perpetually  crowded 
around  our  Saviour,  became  so  troublesome,  that  he 
was  induced  to  make  frequent  retreats  to  places  of 
solirude.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  on  the  borders 
of  the  Galilean  Sea,  the  people  learning  where  he  was, 
ran  to  him  in  multitudes  ;  on  which,  to  avoid  the 
throng,  he  went  into  a  boat  belonging  to  Peter,  who 
had  been  fishing  all  night  with  others  of  his  profes- 
sion, and  was  now  on  shore,  drying  his  nets,  Jesus 
requested  Peter  to  put  off  his  boat  from  the  land, 
that  he  might  conveniently  instruct  the  people,  who 
by  this  time  had  assembled  in  amazing  crowds. 

In  this  situation  Christ  expounded  the  will  of  God  ; 
and  having  finished  his  discourse,  he  resolved  to  ex- 
hibit an  instance  of  his  divine  power  ;  and  therefore 
directed  Peter  to  row  from  the  shore,  and  throw  his 


270  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

net  into  the  water.  The  apostle  replied,  that  they 
had  not  met  with  any  success  during  the  night,  and 
that  little  was  then  to  be  expected  :  but  he  obeyed  the 
commands  of  his  Master.  He  then  cast  in  his  net, 
and  drew  up  such  a  miraculous  draught  of  fishes, 
that  he  fell  at  the  ft-et  of  Christ  in  astonishment  and 
admiration,  and  confessed  himself  unworthy  of  the 
presence  of  the  Son  of  God, 

Christ  kindly  compassionated  his  distress,  and  told 
him,  that  the  miracle  "was  wrought  for  the  confirma- 
tion of  his  faith  ;  and  that,  thenceforth,  he  should  be 
2i  fisher  of  men.  Peter  and  his  associates  now  be- 
came the  constant  disciples  and  companions  of  Christ ; 
comporting  themselves  as  became  true  proselytes  to 
the  gospel  dispensation. 

Not  long  after  this,  Christ  and  his  disciples  repair- 
ed to  Capernaum,  where  the  mother  of  Peter's  Avife  A 
being  in  a  violent  fever,  Jesus  took  her  by  the  hand,  ^ 
and,  by  his  divine  power,  immediately  restored  her  to 
her  former  health  :  at  once,  giving  the  most  indisput- 
able proof  of  his  heavenly  influence  and  supreme  au- 
thority. 

Having  deemed  it  expedient  to  select  from  among^ 
the  number  of  his  followers,  some  persons  who  should 
be  the  constant  witnesses  of  his  miracles  and  gospel, 
and  who  might  be  successfully  employed  in  promot- 
ing the  Christian  religion  after  his  ascension  into  the 
regions  of  his  heavenly  Father,  our  great  Redeemer 
privately  retired  in  the  evening  to  a  solitary  moun- 
tain, where  he  employed  the  whole  night  in  fervently 
supplicating  the  Almighty,  to  render  him  successful 
in  the  great  and  important  undertaking  in  which  he 
had  engaged  for  effecting  the  salvation  of  mankind. 

Having  elected  the  twelve  apostles,  he  appointed 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  9JI 

them  to  be  the  constant  attendants  on  his  person  ;  and 
he  afterwards  invested  them  with  the  power  of  working 
miracles,  and  commanded  them  to  travel  into  va- 
rious parts  of  Judea,  that  the  precepts  of  his  gospel 
might  be  disseminated  with  the  greater  rapidity  and 
success.  In  their  enumeration  of  the  apostles,  the 
evangelists  concur  in  naming  St.  Peter  first :  but  we 
are  not  hence  to  infer  that  he  was  invested  with  any 
personal  prerogative  over  his  brethren ;  for  nothing 
of  this  kind  is  intimated  in  the  scriptures  ;  and  be- 
sides, St.  Paul  expressly  says,  that  he  himself  was  not 
inferior  to   any  one  of  the  apostles. 

Soon  after  the  appointment  of  the  apostles,  our 
Lord,  attended  by  Peter  and  the  two  sons  of  Zebe- 
dcc,  proceeded  to  the  house  of  Jairus,  one  of  the  ru- 
lers of  the  synagogue,  in  order  to  restore  the  health  of 
his  daughter,  who  then  lay  at  the  point  of  death. — 
They  were  met  by  one  of  the  domestics  of  Jairus, 
who  informed  them  that  the  damsel  was  dead,  and 
that,  therefore,  the  attendance  of  Jesus  would  be  un- 
necessary :  but  our  compassionate  Redeemer  bid  the 
afflicted  father  not  to  despair,  assuring  him  at  the 
same  time,  that  if  he  had  faith,  his  daughter  should 
yet  be  perfectly  restored.  Peter  accompanied  our 
Lord  to  the  house  of  Jairus,  whose  daughter,  at  his 
command,  was  immediately  restored  to  life  and  per- 
fect health. 

We  have  no  farther  account  of  this  apostle  in 
particular,  till  the  night  after  our  Saviour  had  mira- 
culously fed  the  multitude  in  the  wilderness.  Jesus 
ordered  his  disciples  to  embark  and  cross  the  lake, 
saying,  he  would  himself  dismiss  the  multitude.  A 
terrible  storm  arising,  they  were  thrown  into  the  ut- 
most consternation,  momentarily  expecting  that  they 
should  fall  victims  to  the  fury  of  the  contending  ele- 
ments.    \Vhile  in  this  situation,  they  perceived  their 


272  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

Master  walking  on  the  surface  of  the  boisterous  bil- 
lows ;  but  supposing  him  to  be  an  appyrilion,  their 
terror  was  increased  to  an  unspeakable  degree.  But 
approaching  the  vessel,  our  Saviour  dispelled  their 
fears,  by  assuring  them,  that  their  terror  was  without 
cause,  and  that  he  would  protect  'hem  from  every 
evil.  Peter,  who  was  ever  remarkable  for  a  forward 
and  bold  disposition,  requested  that  his  Master  would 
permit  him  to  walk  to  him  ;  and  upon  obtaining  leave, 
he  descended  from  the  vessel,  and  walked  upon  the 
waves  to  meet  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  The  storm 
now  increasing,  Peter  was  much  terrified,  and  his  faith 
declining,  he  sunk  in  the  water.  Upon  his  calling 
upon  his  Master  for  assistance,  the  blessed  Jesus 
stretched  forth  his  hand,  and  raised  him  to  the  sur- 
face of  the  water  ;  at  the  same  time,  however,  gently 
reproving  him  in  the  following  manner  :  *'  O  thou  of 
*'  little  faith,  wherefore  didst  thou  doubt?"  No  soon- 
er had  the  blessed  Jesus  entered  the  vessel,  than  the 
winds  and  waves  subsided,  and  the  ship  was  at  the 
place  of  destination.  This  stupendous  miracle  could 
not  fail  of  exciting  the  astonishment  of  the  disciples, 
and  of  convincing  them  of  the  divinity  of  the  mission 
of  Jesus,  before  whom  they  prostrated  themselves,  ex- 
claiming, "  Of  a  truth,  thou  art  the  Son  of  God." 

On  the  following  day,  our  Saviour  repaired  to  the 
synagogue  of  Capernaum,  and  upon  his  representing 
his  kingdom  to  be  entirely  spiritual,  many  of  his  au- 
ditors deserted  him  ;  and  upon  this  occasion,  Peter 
asked  Jesus,  whether  he  and  his  brethren  should  go  ? 
saying,  that  since  he  had  the  words  of  eternal  life, 
where  ought  they  to  apply  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing their  salvation  ;  and  adding,  "  Thou  art  the  way, 
"  the  truth,  and  the  light." 

The  people  of  Judea,  who  had  with  astonishment 
beheld  the   miracles  of  Jesus,  entertained  a  variety;  ■ 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETFR.  273 

of  conjectures  concerning  him.  Of  this  our  Lord 
was  by  no  means  ii^norant  ;  but  being  willing  to  hear 
what  account  his  disciples  would  give  of  the  different 
opinions  of  the  midtitude,  he  questioned  them  on  the 
subject.  They  re[)lied,  that  some  believed  him  to  be 
John  the  Baptibt  risen  from  the  dead,  some  that  he 
was  Klias,  and  others  that  he  was  Jeremiah,  or  one 
of  the  ancient  prophets.  In  const-quencc  of  this  full 
and  comprehensive  declaration  of  Peter,  our  Saviour 
said,  "  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Bar-jonah  ;  for  Hc^h 
"  and  blood  hath  not  revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  mv  Fa- 
*'  ther  which  is  in  heaven."  By  these  words  our 
Lord  implied,  the  faith  which  Pfter  acknowledged, 
was  not  founded  upon  the  testimony  of  man,  but  upon 
that  knowledge  which  the  Almighty  had  appointed 
him  to  reveal  to  mankind.  I  therefore  say,  continued 
our  Saviour,  "■  that  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  diis 
*'  rock  will  I  build  my  church,  and  the  gates  of  hell 
*'  shall  not  prevail  against  it."  As  thy  name  signifies 
a  rock,  so  shall  thy  faith  be,  as  a  rock,  firm  and  im- 
moveable ;  my  church  shall  be  so  stedfastly  estab- 
lished upon  tlic  faith  thou  hast  pr  .'fcsbed,  that  it  shall 
not  yield  to  the  assaults  either  of  men  or  devils. 

The  disciples  had  no  conception  that  Christ  was  to 
suffer  death  lor  the  sins  of  mankind,  but  believed  that 
the  Messiah  would  establish  an  earthly  sovereignty, 
subdue  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  to  his  dominion  by 
the  terrors  of  war,  and  reign  to  eternity  ;  and  there- 
fore, when  our  Lord  predicted  the  indignities  which 
he  was  to  experience  during  the  course  of  his  minis- 
try, and  the  cruel  and  disgraceful  death  he  was  to 
suffer  by  the  sentence  of  the  Sanhedrim,  Peter  inter- 
rupted him,  saying,  "  Be  it  far  from  thee.  Lord,  this 
"  shall  not  be  unto  thee."  But  our  compassionate 
Redeemer,  valuing  the  redemption  of  mankind  great- 
ly above  his  own  personal  safety,  severely  rebuked  his 
apostle  for  this  expression.     *'  Get  thou  behind  me, 

VOL.    II.  2    L 


274  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

*'  Satan,  thou  art  an  offence  to  me."  Thy  pernicious 
coLiisel,  which  opposes  the  g;reat  design  lor  which  I 
qu'tted  thp  blessed  regions  of  my  heavenly  Father,  is 
ofiVnsive  ro  me  :  because  it  proves,  that  ihou  "  savor- 
*'  est  not  the  things  of  God,  but  those  tiiat  be  of 
'*  men.'' 

When  our  g-reat  Redeemer  was  about  to  receive  a 
specimen  of  his  future  glorification,  he  look  with  him 
Pfter,  :;nd  the  two  sons  of  Zebedee,  to  the  summit 
of  a  lofty  mountain,  which  was  the  scene  of  our  bles- 
sed Saviour's  transiisruration.  From  his  face  was  dif- 
fused  the  radiancy  of  heaven,  and  beams  of  light 
issued  from  his  jrarments.  This  event  was  a  sensible 
rcpKfsenlaiion  of  that  state,  when  the  "  just  shall 
'*  walk  in  white  robes,"  and  *'  shine  as  the  sun  in 
'*  the  kingdom  of  their  Father  "  During  this  won- 
derful scene,  the  prophets  Moses  and  tlias  appeared 
in  all  the  splendor  of  a  state  of  glorification,  and  con- 
versed v.ith  Jesus  on  the  subject  of  the  sufferings  and 
death  he  was  shortly  to  undergo,  and  his  ascension 
into  the  regiows  of  ineffaiile  and  eternal  bliss. 

In  the  mean  time.  Peter  and  his  two  brethren  fell 
asleep  :  but  awakening,  they  were  astonished  upon 
beholding  their  Master  surrounded  by  the  glory  of 
heaven,  and  ens-asjed  in  conversation  with  his  celestial 
visitants.  T;»ey  lemained  silent  till  the  two  prophets 
appeared  to  be  preparing  for  departure,  v/hen  Peter, 
in  an  extacy,  declareri,  that  his  brethren  and  himself 
were  sensible  of  the  most  exalted  delight,  in  being 
wiii-esses  to  this  glorious  spectacle  :  at  the  same  time 
requesting  permission  to  erect  three  tabernacles,  one 
for  their  Master,  one  for  Moses,  and  another  for  Eli- 
as :  but  while  he  was  speaking,  a  bright  cloud  over- 
spread ihe  two  heavenly  ambassadors,  and  a  voice 
from  heaven  wjs  heard  to  proclaim,  "  This  is  my  be- 
"  loved   Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased  ;   hear  ye 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  27-5 

"  him."  Hereu|»on  tlie  apostles  were  seized  with  the 
utmost  consternation,  and  prostrated  themselves  upon 
the  earth  :  but  our  Saviour  bid  them  dismiss  their 
fears,  and  look  up  with  confidence  :  they  obey  -d,  but 
saw  only  their  Master,  the  celestial  anib  issue!  )rs  hav- 
ing ascended  into  the  regions  of  bliss  during  their 
state  of  prostration. 

After  the  glorification  of  Jesus,  he  travelled  into 
Galilee,  and  upon  his  return  to  Capernaum,  tUc  tax- 
gatherers  applied  to  Peter,  -desiring  to  be  informed, 
whether  his  Master  was  willing  to  pay  the  usual  tri- 
bute. This  demand  being  Cv)inaiU!ucatect  to  Jesus, 
he  was  unwilling  to  violate  an  established  custom, 
and  therefore  wrought  a  miracle  in  order  lo  enjDle  » 
Peter  to  pay  the  tribute  for  himself  and  his  Master. 

Our  Saviour  was  now  to  repair  to  Jerusalem  ;  and 
therefore  he  commanded  Peter  and  John  to  fetch  hiiH 
an  ass,  that  he  might  enter  the  city  in  the  manner  he 
'  had  predicted. 

Having  visited  Jerusalem,  Jesus  repaired  to  Beth- 
any, from  whence  he  dispatched  Peter  and  John  to 
make  preparations  for  celebrating  the  passover.— 
These  orders  being  obeyed,  our  Lord,  accompanied 
by  his  apostles,  repaired  to  the  house  where  pre- 
parations had  been  made  for  their  reception,  and 
seated  themselves  at  tabic.  Jesus,  who  was  accus- 
tomed to  teach  by  example  as  well  as  precept,  pre- 
sently arose  from  his  seat,  and  washed  the  feet  of 
some  of  his  disciples,  thereby  instructing  them  in 
the  duties  of  humility  and  charity.  When  our  Sa- 
viour came  to  perform  this  ceremony  to  Peter,  he 
objected  to  his  Master's  condescending  to  so  servile 
an  office,  saying,  *'  Thou  shalt  never  wash  my  feet.'* 
Hereupon  our  blessed  Saviour  tignified,  that  the 
washing  was  purely  mystical,  and  represented  there- 


2T6  the  life  of  st.  peter. 

mission  of  sins,  and  the  purifying  virtue  of  the  Spi- 
rit of  the  most  high  Gpd,  which  was  to  be  diflfused 
among  all  sincere  Christians  This  explanation  re- 
moved the  scruples  of  Peter,  who  exclaimed,  "Lord, 
*'  wabh  not  my  feet  only,  but  also  my  hands  and  my 
*'  head."  Wash  me  in  every  part,  rather  than  I 
should  lose  any  portion  of  thy  blessing. 

Having  given  his  disciples  this  example  of  humi- 
lity, the  blessed  Jesus  mentioned  his  approaching 
sufferings,  and  that  he  should  be  betrayed  into  the 
power  of  his  enemies  by  one  of  his  apostles.  The 
eleven  apostles  were  greatly  affected  by  this  declara- 
tion ;  and  Peter  made  signs  to  John,  w  ho  was  then  re- 
clining on  the  bosom  of  his  Saviour,  to  enquire  of  his 
Master,  which  of  the  twelve  could  be  capable  of  so 
abominable  an  iniquity  as  ihv.i  he  had  mentioned. 
And  in  compliance  with  this  request,  our  Lord  sig- 
nified that  Judas  Iscariot  was  the  man  to  whom  he 
alluded. 

Upon  the  institution  of  the  sacramental  supper,  our 
Savioui  mfornifd  his  discipies,  that  he  was  preparing 
to  leave  them,  and  that  they  could  not  obtain  admit- 
tance where  he  w^as  going.  Not  comprehending  our 
Saviour's  meaning,  Peier  asked,  to  what  place  he  was 
going.  Jesus  answered,  that  he  was  going  to  a  place 
where  Peter  would  not  be  able  to  gain  immediate  ad- 
mittance, though  he  time  would  arrive  when  he  would 
follow  ;  thus  alluding  to  the  martyrdom,  he  was  to 
su^er  for  his  Master's  religion.  Hereupon  Peter 
said,  thai  he  was  willing  to  follow  him,  even  at  the 
hazard  of  his  life.  This  confidence  was  by  no  means 
agreeable  to  the  meek  and  humble  Jesus,  who  re- 
proved his  disciple,  saying,  that  notwithstanding 
what  he  had  promised,  his  resolutions  were  so  weak- 
ly  founded,    that  before  the   cock  should  be  twice 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  277 

lieard  to  crow,  he  would  three  times  deny  his  Mas- 
ter. 

The  paschal  supper  being  concluded,  they  sung  an 
hymn,  and  then  departed  lo  the  Mount  of  Olives  ; 
where  Jesus  again  reminded  them  of  the  sufferings  he 
was  to  endure,  whereby  they  would  be  all  offended. 
U])on  this  Peter  said,  that  "  though  all  men  should  be 
*'  offended  because  of  him,  yet  he  would  never  be  of- 
*'  fended."  Thus  we  see,  that  a  forward  and  intem- 
perate zeal,  will  transport  even  good  men  into  vani- 
ty and  presumption.  Peter  questions  the  fidelity  of 
others,  but  reposes  the  firmest  confidence  in  his  own 
fortitude,  although  his  Master  had  but  a  very  short 
time  before  rebuked  him  for  the  error  which  he,  on 
this  occasion,  repeated.  The  confidence  of  Peter  in- 
spired his  brethren  with  courage;  and  therefore  they 
declared,  that  under  all  circumstances,  and  in  all  situ- 
ations, they  would  faithfully  maintain  their  allegiance 
to  their  Master. 

They  now  repaired  to  the  garden  of  Gethscmane, 
and  leaving  his  eight  apostles  near  the  entrance,  our 
Saviour,  accompanied  by  Peter,  and  James  and  John, 
retired  to  a  solitary  spot,  which  was  to  be  the  scene 
of  our  great  Redeemer's  agony.  Our  Lord  told  his 
select  disciples,  that  "  his  soul  was  exceeding  sor- 
**  rowful,  even  unto  death;"  and  indeed,  he  experi- 
enced a  most  violent  conflict  between  the  spirit  and 
the  flesh  ;  his  human  nature,  like  that  of  other  men, 
being  extremely  averse  to  yield  to  the  stroke  of  death. 
During  the  agony  of  our  Lord,  his  disciples  slept ; 
and  awakening  them,  he  addressed  himself  to  Peter, 
saying,  "  What,  could  ye  not  watch  with  me  one 
*'  hour  ?  The  spirit  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak." 
What  endearing  kindness,  what  unbounded  genero- 
sity, what  incomparable  sweetness,  did  our  Saviour 
display  on  this  occasion  !     He  pronounced  the  most 


^JS  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

mild  and  charitable  censure  upon  the  inattention  of 
, his  disciples.  Though  repeatedly  awakened  from 
their  sleep,  and  apprized  of  the  melancholy  scene  that 
was  shortly  to  ensue,  still  they  disregarded  the  admo- 
nitions of  their  Master,  who  recommended  them 
to  pray,  lest  they  sliould  yield  to  temptation  :  but 
so  far  from  severely  upbraiding  them  on  account  of 
their  disobedienee,  he  considered  their  having  in- 
dulged the  desire  of  repose,  as  the  consequence  of 
the  infirmities  of  their  nature  ;  thereby  instructing 
them  in  the  useful  lesson,  of  putting  the  most  favor- 
able construction  on  the  actions  of  their  fellow-crea- 
tures. 

While  our  Saviour  was  discoursing  to  his  apostles, 
the  traitor  Judas,  followed  by  a  band  of  soldiers,  came 
into  the  garden  ;  and  Judas  having  saluted  Jesus, 
the  soldiers  rushed  upon,  and  seized  him.  Hereup- 
on Peter  drew  his  sword,  and  struck  off  the  right 
ear  of  the  high-priest's  servant.  Our  Lord  rebuked 
the  rashness  of  Peter,  and  entreated  that  the  soldi- 
ers would  forbear  till  he  should  have  healed  the 
wound. 

The  period  was  now  arrived,  when  the  boasted  fi- 
delity of  the  apostles  was  to  be  put  to  a  severe  trial. 
They  beheld  their  Master  in  the  power  of  a  band  of 
armed  men,  and  therefore  their  duty  required  them 
to  exert  their  utmost  efforts  for  alleviating  his  suffer- 
ings ; — but,  alas!  instead  of  administering  comfort, 
and  of  affording  assistance  to  their  Master,  they 
sought  to  secure  their  safety  by  flight. 

Having  bound  our  Saviour  with  cords,  the  soldiers 
conducted  1  .  n  to  the  hou'ac  of  Annas,  and  from  thence 
to  the  palace  of  Caiaphas,  the  high-priest,  where  the 
members  of  the  Sanhedrim  had  assembled,  with  a 
preconcerted  determination  to  pronounce  upon  him 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  279 

the  sentence  of  condemnation,  although  no  evidence 
of  guilt  should  be  adduced  against  him. 

In  the  interim,  Peter,  who  had,  in  company  with 
the  other  disciples,  deserted  the  blessed  Jesus  in  his 
distress,  recovered  his  spirits,  and  being  encouraged 
by  St.  John,  he  repaired  in  search  of  his  Master, 
whom  he  followed  at  a  distance  to  the  palace  of  Cai- 
aphas  ;  where,  however  he  was  refused  admittance. 
But  through  the  interest  of  John,  he  was  permitted  to 
enter  the  hall,  where  the  officers  and  domestic  ser- 
vants of  the  high-priest  v.'ere  collected  about  a  fire. 
Here  one  of  the  female  servants  charged  Peter  w^ith 
being  one  of  the  followers  of  Jesus  ;  but  this  he  posi- 
tively denied,  and  presently  after  retired  into  the 
porch,  where  he  heard  the  cock  crow. 

After  this,  he  was  accosted  by  another  female  do- 
mestic, \\  ho  also  accused  him  of  being  a  disciple  of 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  ;  but,  as  before,  he  resolutely  de- 
nied the  charge,  and  even  ratified  his  declaration  with 
an  oath. 

About  an  hour  after  this,  the  kinsman  of  the  ser- 
vant whose  ear  Peler  had  smote  off',  insisted  that  he 
was  the  disciple  of  Clnist,  in  company  with  whom  he 
declared  he  had  himself  seen  him  in  the  garden  of 
Gcthsemane  ;  adding  also,  that  his  pronunciation  evi- 
denily  proved  him  to  be  a  Galilean.  But  Peter  still 
denied  the  fact,  and  appealing  to  the  Almighty,  with 
solemn  imprecations,  declared,  "  that  he  knew  not 
♦'  the  man."  This  denial  was  no  sooner  uttered,  than 
he  again  heard  the  cock  crow.  Hereupon  Jesus  turn- 
ed towards  Peter,  and  regarded  him  with  such  pecu- 
liar earnestness,  as  recalled  to  his  recollection,  that 
his  Master  had  frequently  predicted  that  he  would 
basely  deny  him.  Struck  with  a  consciousness  of 
his  guilt,  Peter  retired  from  the  palace  of  the  high- 


580  THE    LIBE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

priest,  and  "  wept  bitterly  :"  he  sincerely  lamented 
his  infidelity,  and  his  repeated  aggravations  of  his 
sin. 

From  a  variety  of  circumstances  it  appears,  that 
after  the  crucifixion  of  our  blesst-d  Redeemer,  Peter 
resided  at  Jerusakm,  or  at  least  in  the  neighborhood 
of  that  city ;  for  when  Mary  Magdalene  returned 
from  the  sepulchre  to  inform  the  disciples  that  the 
stone  was  removed  from  the  door,  and  that  the  body 
of  Jesus  was  not  to  be  found,  Peter  and  John  hasten- 
ed towards  the  garden. 

But  this  apostle  did  not  remain  long  in  suspencc 
with  respect  to  his  Master,  uho  appeared  to  him  on 
the  same  day.  Thus  as  Peter,  was  the  first  of  the 
disciples  who  acknowledged  the  divinity  of  Christ, 
so  was  it  reasonable  that  he  should  first  behold  him 
after  his  resurrection.  Thus  our  compassionate  Re- 
deemer convinced  Peter  that  the  crime  he  had  com- 
mitted was  fully  pardoned. 

In  a  short  time  after,  agreeably  to  the  command  of 
their  Master,  the  apostles  retired  into  Galilee  ;  and  we 
find  that  Peter,  the  two  sons  of  Ztbedee,  and  three 
other  of  the  disciples,  returned  to  their  former  occu- 
pation of  fishing  in  the  lake  of  Genesareth.  Early 
one  morning,  when  these  people  were  following  their 
usual  employment,  they  perceived  a  grave  person  on 
the  shore,  who  asked  them,  if  they  had  any  provi- 
sions ;  and  upon  their  answering  in  the  negative,  he 
bid  them  cast  their  net  on  the  right  side  of  the  ship, 
and  their  labor  would  be  amply  rewarded.  They 
complied  with  his  directions,  and  immediately  enclo- 
sed so  prodigious  a  quantity  of  fish,  that  it  was  not 
without  the  utmost  difficulty  that  they  were  able  to 
bring  them  to  shore.  This  remarkable  success,  oc- 
casioned the  apostles  to  look  upon  each  other  with  as- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  281 

toii'ishment  ;  and  at  length,  John  observed  to  Peter, 
that  the  person  to  whose  advice  they  were  indebted 
for  this  wonderful  druuiijht,  could  be  no  other  than 
their  great  Lord  and  Master.  Peter  had  no  sooner 
heard  this,  than  he  leaped  into  the  sea,  and  swam  to 
shore,  so  impatient  was  he  to  acknowledge  his  Mas- 
ter. Thomas,  Nathaniel,  James,  and  John,  brought 
the  vessel  deeply  laden  with  fish  to  land,  and  having 
disembarked,  they  perceived  a  fire  already  burning, 
and  fish  broiling  thereon.  Although  there  was  fish  on 
the  fire,  our  Lord  commanded  them  to  bring  some  of 
those  they  had  taken  in  the  net,  and  lay  them  on  the 
fire  for  their  repast,  Jesus  presented  to  them  both 
fish  and  bread,  and  also  partook  of  the  meal. 

The  repast  being  concluded,  our  Saviour,  addres- 
sing himself  to  Peter,  asked,  whether  his  love  of  him 
exceeded  that  of  the  other  disciples.  Peter,  who 
had  been  taught  humility  by  fatal  experience,  replied, 
*'  Lord,  thou  knowest,  notwithstanding  my  former 
*'  denial  of  thee,  which  proceeded  not  from  my  jtidg- 
**  ment,  but  my  fears,  that  thou  art  the  object  of  my 
"  love  and  veneration."  Our  Lord  repeated  his  ques- 
tion twice  ;  it  being  proper  that  he  who  had  thrice 
denied  his  Master,  should  make  compensation  for 
his  failings  by  a  threefold  acknowledgment  of  his  Sa- 
viour. To  each  of  the  confessions  of  Peter,  our  Lord 
added  *'  Feed  my  sheep  ;"  by  which  words,  he  en- 
joined his  apostle  to  exert  his  utmost  endeavors  for 
reclaiming  mankind  from  their  iniquities,  and  for  pro- 
pagating his  gospel. 

The  blessed  Jesus  was  now  pleased  to  intimate  to 
Peter  the  fate  that  he  was  to  experience,  saying,  that 
in  his  youth  he  girt  himself,  lived  at  his  pleasure,  and 
went  wherever  his  inclination  dictated;  but  when  old 
age  should  arrive,  others  would  gird  and  bind  him, 
and  lead  him  where  he  was  averse  to  go  ;  thus  signi- 

VOL.     II.  2  M 


282  THE    LIl-E    OF    ST.    PETER . 

fyi^'g,  as  the  evangelist  informs  us,  "  by  what  death 
*'  he  should  glorify  God."  Peter  repined  not  upon 
learning  that  he  was  to  encounter  great  misfortunes, 
and  he  was  willing  that  his  confession  of  faith  should 
be  as  public  as  his  denial  of  his  Master  ;  hoping,  that 
he  might  by  that  means  sufficiently  atone  for  his  for- 
mer sins.  Peter  now  asked  our  Saviour,  what  would 
be  the  fate  of  his  beloved  disciple  John.  And  in  re- 
ply to  this  question,  Jesus  said,  '^  It  doth  not  concern 
*'  thee  to  learn  the  events  which  I  shall  dispose  to 
*'  to  him  ;  he  shall  not  die,  till  he  shall  have  been  wit- 
"  ness  to  the  destruction  of  the  Jewish  nation." 

A  few  days  after  this,  our  blessed  Redeemer  sum- 
moned his  disciples  to  Mount  Olivet  ;  and  there  en- 
joined them  to  remain  at  Jerusalem,  till,  in  compli- 
ance with  his  promise,  he  should  occasion  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  descend  upon  them,  that  they  might  be  fully 
qualified  for  the  discharge  of  the  ministerial  function, 
into  which  he  had  already  inaugurated  them.  Hav- 
ing spoken  to  this  effect,  our  blessed  Saviour  be- 
stowed upon  them  his  solemn  benediction,  *'  and  as- 
"  cended  up  to  heaven,  where  he  sitteth  on  the  right 
"  hand  of  God." 

Notwithstanding  they  were  deprived  of  the  presence 
of  their  Master,  the  apostles  were  indefatigable  in 
the  discharge  of  the  important  commission  with  which 
he  had  invested  them.  Upon  their  return  to  Jerusa- 
lem, the  first  object  that  claimed  their  attention,  was 
to  supply  that  vacancy  in  their  original  number,  which 
had  happened  in  consequence  of  the  apostacy  of 
Judas  Iscariot. 

In  a  full  congregation  of  the  disciples  of  Jesus,  who 
asseYnbled  in  an  upper  apartment  of  a  house  belong- 
ing to  one  of  the  members  of  the  church  of  Christ, 
Peter,  as  president  of  the  meeting,  observed,  that  Je- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  283 

sus  had  selected  twelve  persons  for  the  purpose  of 
propagating  his  gospel  ;  but  as  the  number  had  de- 
creased through  the  treachery  of  Judas,  it  appeared 
expedient  that  the  office  which  had  been  vaca'cd  in 
consequence  of  his  apostacy  should  be  supplied. — 
The  whole  assembly  assented  to  this  proposition  ; 
and  "  they  appointed  two,  Joseph  called  Barsabas, 
"  who  was  surnamed  Justus,  and  Matthias.  And 
"  they  prayed,  and  said,  Thou,  Lord,  which  knowest 
*'  the  hearts  of  all  men,  shew  whether  of  these  two 
*'  thou  hast  chosen,  that  he  may  take  part  in  this  mi- 
"  nistry  and  apostleshi,),  from  which  Judas  by  trans- 
"  gression  fell,  that  he  might  go  to  his  own  place. 
*'  And  they  gave  forth  their  lots  ;  and  the  lot  fell 
'^  upon  Matthias,  and  he  was  numbered  with  the  ele- 
*'  ven  apostles."  Acts  i.  23,  &c. 

Ten  days  after  the  ascension  of  the  blessed  Jesus, 
and  at  the  time  of  celebrating  the  feast  of  Pentecost, 
the  apostles  and  many  other  pious  Christians,  who 
from  the  time  of  the  ascension  had  constantly  em- 
ployed themselves  in  solemn  devotional  exercises, 
were  assembled  at  their  usual  place  of  worship,  when 
they  were  surprised  by  a  loud  wind,  with  which  came 
"  *  cloven  tongues,  as  it  were  of  fire,  and  sat  upon 
"  each  of  them.*'  Perhaps  a  fiery  vapor  or  exhalation, 
formed  by  the  divine  power  into  the  figure  of  a  man's 
tongue,  divided  at  the  tip,  was  placed  upon  the  head 
of  each  of  the  apostles,  representing  the  gifts  which 
the  Almighty  at  that  time  bestowed  upon  them  by 
the  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  They  were  now  in- 
spired by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  immediately  enabled 
to  speak  divers  languages  to  which  they  had  been  hi- 

*  Cloven,  to  denote  the  variety  of  languages  which  the  apostles 
would  be  enabled  tc  understand  and  speak  ;  and  hcry,  to  represent  their 
zeal  in  proclaiming  thegospel  ;  as  also  that  divine  light  which  they  were 
to  impart  to  others,  and  that  purity  and  holiness  wherewith  they  were 
to  be  endued. 


284  THE    LIFK    OF    ST.    PETER. 

therto  entire  strangers,  and  were,  of  consequence, 
quaiifietl  to  preach  the  wonderlul  works  of  God  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  various  quarters  of  the  globe. 

The  rumor  of  this  miracle  was  soon  dispersed 
throughout  Jerusalem,  where  f  immense  numbers  of 
people  had  assembled  on  occasion  ol"  the  feast  ;  and 
among  these,  were  men  of  every  nation  under  hea- 
ven ;  "  Parthians,  Medes,  Klamites,  the  dwellers  in 
*'  Mesopotamia  and  Judea,  Cappudocia,  Pontus  and 
*'  Asia,  Phrygia  and  Pamphylia,  Kgypt,  the  parts  of 
*'  Lybia  and  Cyrene." 

The  wonderful  Hiculty  thus  bestowed  upon  the 
apostles,  of  conversing  in  various  languages,  had 
different  effects  upon  the  minds  of  the  people  ;  some 
ascribing  their  gift  of  speech  to  a  supernatural  pow- 
er, and  others  believing,  in  consequence  of  the  slan- 
derous insinuations  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees, 
that  what  the  apostles  had  uttered,  was  the  result  of 
having  drank  intcmperately  of  new  wine;  and  that 
their  discourses  were  fallacious,  confused,  and  inco- 
herent. 

To  rescue  his  brethren  and  himself  from  this  in- 
vidious accusation,  Peter  arose,  and  said,  that  the 
slanderous  charge  of  intoxication  was  equally  ground- 
less and  unreasonable;  for  it  then  being  only  about 
nine  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  it  could  scarcely  be  sup- 
posed ihat  they  had  tasted  wine,  or  any  other  in- 
flammatory liquor  ;  especially  since,  according  to  the 
establi^jhed  usage  in  the  celebration  of  the  feast  of  the 
Pentecost,  the  jjcople  received  no  kind  of  refreshment 
at  so  early  aa  hour.     He  said,  that  these  extraordina- 

t  St  Luke  enumerates  fifteen  sorts  of  stranjjers,  who,  upon  the 
report  of  this  miraculcus  power,  resorted  to  the  assembly  of  the  Chris- 
tians, and  were  astonished  to  hear  their  sfveialhui<juages  spoken  with 
the  utmost  fluency  and  piecision,  by  uneducated  natives  of  Galilee. 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  285 

ry  and  miraculous  effects  were  produced  by  an  effu- 
sion of  the  Holy  Spirit,  according  to  a  prediction  of 
the  prophet  Joel.  This  miracle,  said  the  apostle,  is 
an  iucontestible  proof,  that  Jesus  is  the  true  begot- 
ten Son  of  God  ;  for  though  by  their  malicious  and 
blood)  contrivances  they  had  put  him  to  death,  yet 
he  was  ascended  into  heaven,  and  seated  at  the  right 
hand  of  his  Almighty  Father,  agreeably  to  what  had 
been  foretold  of  him  by  David;  who  had  said,  that 
he  should  sit  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  and  his  ene- 
mies be  made  his  footstools.  Hence  then,  said  he, 
it  behoves  the  whole  house  of  Israel  to  believe,  that 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  whom  you  have  barbarously  cru- 
cified, is  the  true  Messiah,  appointed  by  the  Almigh- 
ty to  effect  the  redemption  of  mankind,  and  establish 
the  Christian  church. 

This  was  the  first  public  discourse  of  Peter  ;  and 
it  so  deeply  impressed  the  minds  of  his  auditors, 
that  fearing  they  had  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the 
Almighty,  they  enquired  what  means  they  ought  to 
pursue  for  obtaining  pardon.  "  Men  and  brethren, 
*'  what  shall  we  do?"  Upon  this,  Peter  informed 
them,  that  the  only  means  of  expiating  their  guilt, 
and  of  obtaining  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  would 
be  by  sine  ere  repentance,  and  baptism  in  the  name  of 
the  holy  Jesus.  Upon  these  conditions,  he  said,  the 
promises  of  the  new  covenant,  ratified  by  the  death 
of  the  Son  of  God,  would  be  fulfilled  to  them,  to  their 
posterity,  and  to  all  those  who  should  become  con- 
verts to  the  gospel  of  Christ. 

This  endearing  and  persuasive  address  of  St.  Pe. 
ter,  was  productive  of  the  most  salutary  effects;  for 
on  'hi^  occasion,  three  thousand  converts  were  made 
to  the  Christian  religion  ;  and  these  people  received 
the  sacrament,  and  ever  after  continued  in  the  doc- 
trine and  fellowship  of  the  apostles.     Thus  was   ac- 


286  THE -LIFE    OF   ST.    PETER. 

complished  that  prophecy  of  our  Saviour,  which  ex- 
pressed that  St.  Peter  should  become  *'  a  fisher  of 
*'  men." 

A  short  time  after  the  above  wonderful  conver- 
sion, and  during  the  continuance  of  the  feast  of  Pente- 
cost, Peter  and  John  went  to  the  temple  about  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  time  of  evening  prayers, 
and  beheld  a  man,  who  had  been  a  cripple  from  his 
birth,  lying  at  the  gate,  and  begging  alms.  The  sight 
of  this  miserable  object  excited  their  compassion; 
and  Peter  said,  that  though  it  was  not  in  his  power  to 
afford  him  pecuniary  relief,  yet  he  was  able  to  con- 
fer a  gift  of  infinitely  higher  importance  ;  for  he  pos- 
sessed the  power  of  bestowing  health  and  life,  and 
was  disposed  to  afford  him  relief.  Then  taking  the 
man,  who  was  about  forty  years  of  age,  by  the  hand, 
he  commanded  him  in  the  name  of  "  Jesus  of  Naza- 
"  reth  to  rise  up  and  w^alk."  The  diseased  members 
immediately  performed  their  proper  functions,  and 
the  man  accompanied  the  apostles  into  the  temple, 
at  the  same  time  glorifying  the  name  of  God. 

The  people  were  filled  with  admiration,  upon  be- 
holding the  free  exercise  of  the  beggar's  limbs  ;  and 
being  informed  of  the  manner  in  which  this  wonder- 
ful cure  had  been  wrought,  they  repaired  into  Solo- 
mon's porch,  to  satisfy  their  curiosity,  by  beholding 
a  man  possessed  of  the  extraordinary  power  which 
Peter  had  manifested. 

Peter  availed  himself  of  this  opportunity  to  magni- 
fy the  name  of  our  holy  Redeemer  ;  and  addressing 
himself  to  the  multitude,  he  said,  they  were  not  to 
suppose  that  this  surprising  cure  had  been  performed 
merely  by  the  force  of  their  own  pov/er  ;  for  it  had 
been  wrought  in  the  name  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  and 
by  the  power  of  that  just  and  holy  person  whom  they 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  287 

liad  barbarously  crucified.  Though  they  had  put  him 
to  death,  he  was  risen  from  the  grave,  and  ascended 
in  heaven,  there  to  remain  till  the  great  and  tremen- 
dous day  of  general  restitution.  But  notwithstand- 
ing^ the  enormity  of  their  sins,  the  apostle  bid  them 
not  to  despair  of  obtaining  forgivness  ;  which  would 
most  assuredly  be  extended  to  them,  provided  they 
sincerely  repented  of  all  their  sins,  but  particularly 
of  the  shocking  cruelty  they  had  perpetrated  upon  the 
only  Son  of  God.  He  said,  that  it  behoved  them  to 
reflect  that  they  were  the  peculiar  persons  to  whom 
the  gracious  promises  of  salvation  were  primarily  gi- 
ven ;  and  that  since  they  w-ere  the  men  to  whom  the 
Almighty  had  sent  his  only  Son  to  "  turn  them  away 
"  from  their  inic^uities,"  they  were  bound  by  the  ob- 
ligations of  duty  and  gratitude,  to  prove  themselves 
not  unworthy  the  tenderness  and  compassion  that  had 
been  extended  to  them  ;  which  they  could  do  no 
otherwise,  than  by  atoning  for  their  sins  by  sincere  re- 
pentance. If  they  sincerely  repented  of  their  sins, 
and  heartily  embraced  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  the 
apostle  assured  them,  that  they  would  be  entitled  to 
the  full  enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  eternity  :  but 
that,  on  the  contrary,  if  they  persevered  in  their  ob- 
stinate incredulity,  they  would  inevitably  become  the 
objects  of  the  divine  vengeance.  This  discourse  had 
so  happy  an  effect  upon  the  minds  of  the  multitude, 
that  *  in  the  course  of  the  day  whereon  it  was  pro- 
nounced, live  thousand  converts  were  reclaimed  to 
the  gospel  of  Christ. 

This  amazing  success  of  the  Christiati  doctrine, 
could  not  fail  of  inflaming  the  jealousy  of  the  rulers 
of  Israel  :  and  the  chief-priests  and  Sadducees  repair- 
ed to  the  Roman  governor,  and  represented  that  the 

*  Thus  is  tlic  above  passage  commonly  understood  :  but  there  is 
room  for  a  dirtcrent  interpretation,  viz.  that  the  whole  number  of  be- 
lievers in  the  gospel  of  Christ,  amounted  to  about  five  thousand  persons. 


288  THE    LIFE    OF    SP.    PETER. 

vast  number  of  people  who  were  assembletl^  and  the 
preaching  of  the  apostles,  threatened  to  promote  a  re- 
bellion. In  consequence  of  this  information,  the  cen- 
turion who  had  the  command  of  the  garrison  station- 
ed in  Fort  Antonia,  which  was  built  to  overlook  the 
temple  on  the  north  side,  led  forth  a  band  of  soldiers, 
who  seized  the  apostles,  and  conducted  them  to  pri- 
son. On  the  following  day,  they  were  brought  for 
examination  before  the  Jewish  Sanhedrim  :  but  the 
pretence  of  seditious  practices  was  waved,  because 
evidently  groundless";  and  the  several  charges  were 
at  length  resolved  into  the  single  question,  "  By  what 
'*  power  and  authority  had  the  Lime  man  been  cur- 
*'  ed  ?"  To  this  question,  Peter  resolutely  replied, 
"  Be  it  known  unto  you,  and  all  the  descendants  of 
*'  Jacob,  that  the  miracle  wrought  in  the  cure  of  the 
*'  cripple,  was  performed  in  the  name  of  Jesus  of  Na- 
"  zarcth,  whom  you  barbarously  crucified,  and  whom 
*'  the  Almighty  has  rescued  from  the  power  of  death. 
"  This  Jesus  is  alluded  to  by  the  prophet,  who  men- 
"  tions  him  under  the  similitude  of  a  stone  ;  which 
*'  stone,  you,  like  unskilful  builders,  have  rejected  : 
*'  but  God  has  made  him  the  head  of  the  corner  ;  and 
*'  through  his  merits  and  mediation  alone,  the  chil- 
"  dren  of  sinful  men  are  to  expect  salvation." 

The  undaunted  spirit  which  the  apostles  displayed 
on  this  occasion,  raised  the  wonder  of  the  whole 
court,  who,  however  strongly  inclined,  did  not  pre- 
sume to  dispute  the  existence  of  a  miracle,  which  had 
been  wrought  in  the  presence  of  so  great  a  multitude 
of  people.  But  the  court  commanded  the  apostles  to 
withdraw,  while  they  deliberated  on  the  measures  to 
be  pursued  against  them.  Not  being  in  possession 
of  evidence  which  could  even  by  the  most  forced  and 
uncandid  construction,  fix  the  imputation  of  guilt  up- 
on them,  the  Sanhedrim  determined  to  attempt  justi- 
fying themselves  in  the  opinion  of  the  people,  by  treat- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  289 

ing  the  apostles  with  undeserved  severity,  thereby  ag- 
gravating their  former  cruelty  towards  the  blessed  Je- 
sus. They  therefore,  agreed  to  prohibit  them  from 
continuing  to  preach  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 

The  apostles  were  again  ordered  into  the  court,  and 
acquainted  with  the  resolution  of  the  council.  Here- 
upon they  said,  that  having  received  a  commission, 
from  heaven,  they  were  bound  by  the  strongest  of  all 
obligations  to  proclaim  the  gospel  of  Christ  ;  and 
therefore  they  would  appeal  to  themselves,  whether  it 
was  not  their  duty  to  '*  obey  God,  rather  than  man." 
This  was  a  fair  appeal  to  the  consciences  of  their  very 
judges  :  but  instead  of  being  satisfied,  the  rulers  were 
inclined  to  proceed  to  acts  of  the  most  extreme  seve- 
rity ;  and  this  disposition  they  would  certainly  have 
indulged,  had  not  their  malice  been  restrained  by  the 
high  veneration  which  the  people  entertained  for  the 
apostles,  whom  the  council  dismissed,  after  having 
repeated  their  menaces  with  additional  vehemence. 

Being  thus  restored  to  liberty,  Peter  and  John  re- 
turned to  their  brethren,  and  informed  them   of  the 
treatment  they  had  experienced  from  the  Jewish  ma- 
gistrates.    Upon  this  they  joined  in  prayer  to  the  Al- 
mighty, that  he  would  be  graciously  pleased  to  grant 
them  sufficient  courage  and  fortitude,  firmly  to  estab- 
lish the  religion  of  their  crucified  Saviour.     Having 
uttered  these  pious  supplications,  God  was  pleased  to 
signify  to  them  that  their  prayers  were  heard       The 
house  wherein  they  were  assembled,   was   shaken  by 
a  mighty   wind,  as   it  had   been  during  the   feast  of 
Pentecost  ;   and  they  immediately   found   themselves 
replenished  with  fresh  measures   of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whereby  they  were   inspired  with  power  and  resolu- 
tion to  proceed  in  preaching  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and 
the  doctrine  of  his  resurrection,  in  despite  of  all  the 
menaces  of  the  Jewish  rulers. 

VOL.     II.  2    N 


290  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETEK. 

Among  the  various  good  effects  resulting  from  the 
evangelical  preaching,  was  a  spirit  of  unbounded  love 
and  charity,  with  which  the  true  believers  were  in- 
spired. Many  of  the  converts  to  the  Christian  doc- 
trine were  in  circumstances  of  indigence  :  but  such 
was  the  liberality  of  the  rich,  that  they  cheerfully  re- 
lieved their  necessities,  selling  their  estates,  and  de- 
livering the  produce  to  the  apostles,  that  they  might 
distribute  it  in  proportion  to  the  circumstances  of  such 
of  their  brethren  as  had  occasion  for  pecuniary  assist- 
ance. Barnabas  particularly  distinguished  himself  by 
his  benevolent  disposition  ;  for  he  disposed  of  a  valu- 
able estate  in  Cyprus,  and  delivered  the  produce  to 
the  apostles,  to  be  disposed  of  in  such  charitable  uses 
as  their  discretion  should  dictate. 

But  even  in  these  primitive  times  of  Christianity, 
hypocrisy  was  not  unknown  among  the  professors  of 
religion.  Of  this  a  singular  instance  was  afforded  in 
the  case  of  Ananias,  and  his  wife  Sapphira.  Ambi- 
tious of  emulating  the  example  of  many  pious  peo- 
ple, who  had  consecrated  their  possessions  to  the  ho- 
nor of  God,  and  the  necessities  of  the  church,  having 
sold  their  estate,  for  the  purpose  of  an  ostentatious 
display  of  benevolence,  they  delivered  only  a  part  of 
the  produce  to  the  apostles. 

When  Ananias  came  to  pay  the  money  into  the 
hands  of  Peter,  that  apostle  severely  rebuked  him  on 
the  score  of  his  hypocrisy,  asking  him,  what  atone- 
ment it  was  possible  for  him  to  make,  for  having  been 
guilty  of  so  enormous  a  crime,  as  attempting  to  com- 
mit  an  imposition  upon  the  Holy  Ghost.  So  greatly 
was  Ananias  affected  by  the  dreadful  apprehension  of 
becoming  an  object  of  the  divine  vengeance,  that  he 
fell  upon  the  earth,  and  instantly  expired.  *'  But  a 
'■'■  certain  man  named  Ananias,  with  Sapphira  his  wife, 
**  sold  a  possession,  and  kept  back  part  of  the  price,  his, 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  291 

"  wife  also  being  privy  to  it,  and  brought  a  certain 
"  part,  and  lay  it  at  the  apostles  feet.  But  Peter  said, 
*'  Ananias,  why  hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie 
"  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  keep  back  part  of  the 
"  price  of  the  land  ?  While  it  remained,  was  it  not 
"  thine  own  ?  and  after  it  was  sold,  was  it  not  in  thine 
"  own  power  ?  Why  hast  thou  conceived  this  thing 
"  in  thine  heart .-'  Thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but 
"  unto  God.  And  Ananias,  hearing  these  words, 
"  fell  down,  and  gave  up  the  ghost.  And  great  fear 
"  came  on  all  them  that  heard  these^things.  And  the 
^'  young  men  arose,  wound  him  up,  and  carried  him 
"  out,  and  buried  him."  Acts  v.   1,  &c. 

About  three  hours  after  the  death  of  Ananias,  his 
wife  Sapphira  came  to  St.  Peter,  and  as  she  had  con- 
spired with  her  husband  in  the  abominable  crime  for 
which  he  had  lost  his  life,  the  apostle  upbraided  her 
with  her  guilt ;  saying,  that  since  she  hud  shared  in 
his  iniquity,  it  was  but  just  that  she  should  be  sub- 
jected to  a  similar  punishment.  She  was  smitten  by 
the  hand  of  Omnipotence,  and  fell  dead  upon  the 
ground.  The  body  of  Sapphira  was  taken  away  by 
the  persons  who  had  removed  that  of  her  husband, 
and  they  were  buried  in  one  grave.  **  And  it  was 
''  about  the  space  of  three  hours  after,  when  his  wife, 
"  not  knowing  what  was  done,  came  in.  And  Peter 
"  answered  unto  her,  Tell  me  whether  ye  sold  the 
"  land  for  so  much.  And  she  said,  Yea,  for  so  much. 
"  Then  Peter  said  unto  her.  How  is  it  that  ye  have 
'"■  agreed  together  to  tempt  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  ? 
"  Behold,  the  feet  of  them  which  have  buried  thy 
"  husband  are  at  the  door,  and  shall  carry  thee  out. 
"  Then  fell  she  down  straitway  at  his  feet,  and  yield- 
^'  ed  up  the  ghost.  And  the  young  men  came  in, 
"  and  found  her  dead,  and  carrying  her  forth,  buri- 
"  ed  her  by  her  husband.  And  great  fear  came  upon 
''  all  the  church,  and  upon  as  many  as  heard  these 
"  things."  Acts  v.   7,  &c. 


292  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PETER. 

The  guilt  of  these  people  was  unquestionably  very 
great :  but  yet  the  punishment  inflicted  upon  them 
was  not  so  much  on  account  of  their  sin,  as  that  a 
signal  example  might  be  afforcledj  for  deterring  others 
from  falbifying  their  religious  resolutions  and  pur- 
poses, and  from  permitting  their  covctousness  and 
avarice  from  seducing  them  into  the  practice  of  dissi- 
mulation and  hypocrisy  to  the  Almighty,  from  whose 
knowledge  no  motion  of  the  heart  can  be  concealed. 

This  severe  infliction,  which  was  certainly  intend- 
ed to  inspire  the  people  with  a  proper  idea  of  the  au- 
thority of  the  apostles,  had  the  intended  effect ;  for 
from  henceforward  the  multitude  feared  their  power, 
and  venerated  their  persons.  It  was,  however,  but 
on  very  extraordinary  occasions  that  the  apostles  pro- 
ceeded to  acts  of  great  severity  ;  but,  on  the  contra- 
ry, they  were  accustomed  to  exert  their  power  in 
works  of  mercy  and  beneficence  towards  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  afiliction.  They  cast  out  devils,  and 
perfectly  cured  every  kind  of  disease.  The  Almigh- 
ty was  pleased  to  bestow  such  sanative  virtue  upon 
these  holy  men,  that  a  single  touch,  or  a  word,  from 
either  of  them,  was  sufiicient  to  remove  any  bodily 
disease  or  infirmity,  however  desperate,  or  of  howe- 
ver long  continuance.  The  sick  were  laid  upon  beds 
and  couches  in  the  streets  ;  and  those  afilicted  persons, 
over  whom  even  the  very  shadow  of  St.  Peter  passed, 
were  instantly  cured  of  their  infirmities.  These  mi- 
racles caused  the  apostles  to  be  held  in  great  venera- 
tion, and  procured  a  vast  number  of  converts  to  the 
Christian  religion. 

The  great  influence  which  the  apostles  obtained 
over  the  minds  of  the  multitude,  and  the  extraordinary 
and  continually  increasing  success  of  the  gospel,  prov- 
ed highly  offensive  to  the  members  of  the   Sanhe- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  29^) 

drim  ;  who  were  extremely  exasperated,  upon  finding 
that  their  prohibition  wa»  entirely  disregarded,  and 
that  the  cause  of  Christianity  daily  became  more  firm- 
ly established.  They  caused  these  ho  y  men  to  be 
apprehended,  and  even  proceeded  so  far  as  to  com- 
mit them  to  the  conimon  prison.  But  the  Almighty,  to 
prove  that  no  human  power  was  capable  of  interrupt- 
ing the  divine  purposes  and  decrees,  sent  his  angel 
to  them  in  the  night  to  restore  them  to  freedom,  and 
command  them  to  proceed  in  the  duties  of  their  holy 
ministration.  In  obedience  to  the  angel's  command, 
they  repaired  to  the  temple  early  on  the  following 
morning,  and  there  publicly  instructed  the  people  in 
the  means  of  providing  for  their  eternal  salvation. 

Ignorant  of  the  miraculous  deliverance  of  their 
prisoners,  the  council  assembled  in  the  morning,  and 
dispatched  some  of  their  officers  to  bring  the  apostles 
before  them  for  examination.  Upon  the  return  of 
these  officers,  they  made  a  report  to  the  council,  pur- 
porting that,  although  the  prisoners  were  not  to  be 
found,  there  appeared  no  means  by  which  it  was  pos- 
sible they  could  have  effected  their  escape  ;  for  when 
they  visited  the  prison  the  doors  were  fast,  and  the 
keepers  were  on  guard. 

This  extraordinary  circumstance  greatly  alarmed 
the  council,  and  suggested  to  them,  that  they  had  en- 
gaged in  a  business  which  might  probably  terminate 
to  their  disadvantage.  Being  informed,  however,  that 
the  apostles  were  preaching  in  the  temple,  they  dis- 
patched thither  the  captain  of  the  guard  with  a  num- 
ber of  their  own  officers,  with  orders  to  bring  the 
apostles  before  them  for  examination  ;  but  they  cau- 
tioned their  messengers  against  using  compulsive 
measures,  lest  the  populace  should  thereby  be  pro- 
voked to  acts  of  fury  and  outrage. 


29-1  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

The  holy  apostles  being  conducted  before  the  San< 
hedrim,  Caiaphas  censured  them  for  having  presum-j 
ed  to  preach  the  gospel,  after  the  prohibition  that  had^ 
been  laid  upon  them.  Your  duty  to  this  assembly, 
which  is  composed  of  the  rulers  of  the  people,  said 
the  high-priest,  enjoins  you  to  an  implicit  acquies- 
cence in  our  decrees  :  but  instead  of  yielding  to  our 
commands,  you  have  inflamed  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple, by  representing  us  as  the  murderers  of  the  Mes-  ^ 
siah ;  and  hence  it  appears,  that  your  design  is  tO  1 
provoke  the  multitude  to  avenge  themselves  upon  us 
for  having  put  him  to  death.  In  reply,  Peter,  in  the 
name  of  his  brethren  and  himself,  said,  that  although 
obedience  was  due  to  the  governors  of  the  people, 
obligations  of  an  infinitely  higher  nature  were  due  to 
the  Almighty,  an  exact  conformity  to  whose  will 
was  to  supercede  every  other  cortsidefation  ;  and 
therefore,  in  despite  of  all  opposition,  they  would 
persevere  in  proclaiming  those  great  truths,  which 
had  been  communicated  to  them  by  the  immediate 
inspiration  of  heaven. 

So  exasperated  were  the  members  of  the  Sanhe- 
drim by  the  reply  of  Peter,  that  they  formed  a  reso- 
lution  of  putting  all  the  apostles  to  death  ;  and  this 
they  would  in  all  probability  have  carried  into  ex- 
ecution, but  for  the  interference  of  Gamaliel,  a  grave 
and  learned  Pharisee,  and  a  man  of  high  reputation 
among  the  people. 

The  apostles  being  commanded  to  withdraw,  this 
wise  and  prudent  counsellor  admonished  his  brethren 
to  proceed  with  caution  in  the  afi'air  which  was  then 
under  their  consideration  ;  reminding  them,  that  di- 
vers factions  had  already  been  excited  under  the  pre- 
text of  introducing  new  sects  of  religion,  but  these 
designs  had  all  proved  abortive  without  any  opposi- 
tion from  that  court.     And  he  further  declared,  that 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  295 

it  would,  in  his  opinion,  be  prudent  to  decline  all  op- 
position to  the  preaching-  of  the  apostles  ;  for  since, 
if  their  doctrine  was  merely  of  human  invention,  it 
would  necessarily  fall  into  disrepute,  and  at  length 
be  lost  in  oblivion,  without  any  measures  pursued  by 
the  council  for  its  suppression  ;  but  if  their  doctrine 
was  what  they  so  confidently  asserted,  and  what  they 
appeared  so  powerfully  to  justify  by  the  performance 
of  miracles,  it  would  not  only  be  ineffectual,  but  e- 
ven  impious  to  attempt  the  suppression  of  the  preach- 
ing  of  the  disciples  of  the  deceased  Jesus,  which,  sup- 
posing them  to  be  invested  with  a  divine  commission, 
would  be  sacrilegiously  to  oppose  the  works  of  the 
Almighty. 

These  reasonable  expostulations  were  so  far  pro- 
ductive of  their  proper  effect,  that  the  council  revers- 
ed their  determination  of  putting  the  apostles  to  death, 
but  sentenced  them  to  be  scourged,  and  admonished 
them  to  preach  no  more  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  Hav- 
ing submitted  to  the  discipline  of  scourging,  the  a- 
postles  departed  from  the  Sanhedrim,  rejoicing  that 
they  were  esteemed  worthy  to  suffer  reproach  and 
disgrace  in  the  cause  of  righteousness. 

Although  the  speech  of  Gamaliel  restrained  the 
members  of  the  Sanhedrim  from  directing  the  full 
force  of  their  fury  against  the  apostles,  they  still  con- 
tinued implacable  enemies  to  the  gospel  of  Christ. — 
Stephen,  the  proto  martyr,  a  man  of  singular  wisdom 
and  piety,  engaged  in  a  controversy  with  the  enemies 
of  the  gospel,  whom  he  publicly  confuted,  by  argu- 
ments founded  on  the  divine  truths  of  scripture. — 
The  victory  obtained  by  Stephen,  so  exasperated  his 
enemies,  that  under  pretext  of  his  having  been  guilty 
of  blasphemy,  they  accused  him  before  the  Sanhe- 
drim ;  and  the  charge  falsely  exhibited  against  him, 
was  supported  by  two  corrupt  witnesses.     No  formal 


996  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

sentence  was  pronounced  against  Stephen,  but  he  was 
cruelly  stoned  to  death  by  his  malicious  enemies. 

After  the  death  of  Stephen,  the  Jews  persecuted  the 
disciples  of  our  blessed  Saviour  with  such  unrelent- 
ing severity,  that  they  were  under  the  necessity  of 
providing  for  their  security,  by  retiring  from  Jerusa- 
lem into  various  parts  of  Judea  and  Samaria,  but  a 
very  inconsiderable  number  remaining  with  the  apos- 
tles in  the  city. 

In  this  dispersion,  Philip  the  deacon  retired  to  the 
city  of  Sabaste  in  Samaria,  where  he  preached  the 
gospel,  and  confirmed  his  doctrine  by  casting  out  un- 
clean spirits,  and  performing  a  great  number  of  mi- 
raculous cures.  In  this  city  resided  a  man  named 
Simon,  who  by  magical  illusions  had  greatly  raised 
the  admiration  of  the  multitude,  and  particularly  that 
of  the  lower  classes  of  the  people,  who  believed  him 
to  be  ''the  great  power  of  God;"  an  appellation 
which  he  had  blasphemously  arrogated  to  himself, 
pretending  to  be  the  father  and  so^ereign  of  the  whole 
world. 

The  doctrine  of  Philip  was  attended  with  such  re- 
markable success,  that  the  reputation  of  Simon  rapid- 
Iv  declined  :  and  therefore  he  pretended  to  become  a 
convert  to  Christianity,  and  submitted  to  the  ceremo- 
ny  of  baptism  ;  hoping  that  by  this  stratagem,  he 
should  be  able  to  dibcover  the  means  by  which  Philip 
wrought  those  miracles  uhich  so  greatly  raised  the 
admiration  of  the  multitude. 

The  conversion  of  so  great  a  concourse  of  people 
was  no  soontr  known  to  the  apostles,  \\ho  still  re- 
mained in  Jerusalem,  than  they  determined  to  send 
Philip  assistance.  St.  Peter  and  St.  John  according- 
Iv  hastened  to  Sabaste,  in  order  to  confer  the  Holy 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  297 

Spirit  upon  those  who  had  embraced  Christianity  ; 
for  that  privile£^e  was  peculiar  to  the  apostles,  and 
Philip  was  only  a  deacon. 

Peter  and  John  having  prayed  for,  and  laid  their 
hands  upon  the  new  converts,  they  received  the  Holy 
Spirit :  and  Simon  observing  the  wonderful  effects 
produced  by  the  imposition  of  the  hands  of  the  apos- 
tles, became  extremely  desirous  of  attaining  to  the 
power  of  exercising  the  same  privilege.  He  there- 
fore offered  the  apostles  a  sum  of  money,  on  condi- 
tion that  they  would  invest  him  with  the  power  of 
giving  the  Holy  Ghost  to  those  on  whom  he  should 
lay  his  hands.  Knowing  and  abominating  the  insin- 
cerity and  wickedness  of  this  man,  Peter  rejected 
his  proposal  with  indignation  ;  and  admonished  him 
to  repentance,  as  the  only  means  of  securing  himself 
from  everlasting  torments.  What  St.  Peter  had  said, 
greatly  alarmed  Simon,  who  being  apprehensive  that 
he,  like  Ananias  and  Sapphira,  should  be  made  a 
a  terrible  example  of  the  guilt  of  hypocrisy,  solicited 
the  apostles  to  pray  in  his  behalf,  that  the  judgments 
due  to  his  crimes  might  be  averted  ;  but  the  insince- 
rity of  the  repentance  of  this  man  will  appear  here- 
after. 

Having  remained  some  time  in  Samaria,  St.  Peter 
and  St.  John  returned  to  Jerusalem,  proclaiming  the 
divine  truths  of  the  gospel  in  all  the  towns  and  villa- 
ges through  which  they  passed. 

The  violence  of  the  persecution  against  the  Christian 
church  now  subsided  ;  and  during  this  period  of  tran- 
quillity, peace,  and  security,  St.  Peter  undertook  a 
general  visitation  of  those  churches  which  had  been 
established  by  the  disciples  whom  the  persecution  had 
dispersed.  Upon  the  arrival  of  this  apostle  at  Lydda, 
a  village  in  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  he  performed  a  mi- 

VOL.     IT.  2   o 


298  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PETKR. 

raculous  cure  upon  iEneas,  who  had  been  so  dread- 
fully afflicted  with  the  palsy  for  eight  years,  as  to  be 
confined  to  his  bed  during  that  whole  period.  The 
fame  of  this  miracle  was  rapidly  spread  throughout 
the  adjacent  country,  and  it  served  to  impress  great 
numbers  of  people  with  a  belief  in  the  gospel  of  the 
Son  of  God. 

During  the  residence  of  St.  Peter  at  Lydda,  a  pious 
woman,  named  I'abitha,  who  in  the  Greek  language 
was  called  Dorcas,  died  at  Joppa,  a  sea-port  town 
about  six  miles  from  Lydda.  This  woman  had  been 
long  highly  celebrated  for  her  universal  benevolence, 
and  particularly  for  her  extensive  charity  to  the  poor, 
great  numbers  of  whom  she  constantly  cloathed  and 
supported.  The  death  of  this  woman  was  universal- 
ly lamented  ;  and  the  people  of  Joppa  having  heard 
that  Peter  had  restored  jEneas  to  health,  merely  by 
commanding  him  in  the  name  of  Jesus  to  rise  and 
walk,  and  likewise  that  he  had  performed  divers  other 
stupendous  miracles,  they  dispatched  two  messengers 
to  solicit  his  attendance. 

Upon  his  arrival,  Peter  was  introduced  to  the  apart- 
ment, where  the  deceased  lay,  dressed  in  funeral  attire, 
and  surrounded  by  those  weeping  widows  and  other 
persons,  who  had  been  the  objects  of  her  benevolence. 
The  mourners  dared  not  presume  to  request  that  Pe- 
ter would  restore  the  deceased  to  life  ;  but  their  la- 
mentations sufficiently  indicated  their  desire.  Hav- 
ing caused  the  mourners  to  leave  the  apartment,  Pe- 
ter turned  towards  the  body  of  the  deceased,  and  hav- 
ing addressed  himself  in  prayer  to  the  Almighty,  he 
commanded  the  dead  woman  to  arise  ;  immediately 
after  which  he  took  her  by  the  hand,  and  presented 
her  in  perfect  health  to  her  friends.  This  miracle 
confirmed  the  faith  of  a  great  number  of  persons 
newly  converted  to  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  occasi- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  299 

oned  many  others  to  embrace  Christianity.  Peter 
remained  a  considerable  time  in  the  town  of  Joppa, 
residing  in  the  house  of  a  man  named  Simon,  who 
was  by  profession  a  tanner. 

During  the  abode  of  Peter  in  the  town  of  Joppa, 
our  Saviour  was  pleased  to  fulfil  his  promise  of  giving 
him  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  by  making 
him  the  instrument  of  admitting  the  Gentiics  into 
his  church.  While  he  was  one  day  offering  up  his 
prayers  to  heaven,  he  found  himself  hungry,  and  cal- 
led for  meat  to  satisfy  his  appetite.  While  the  food 
was  preparing,  he  fell  into  a  trance,  during  which  a 
large  sheet  ^vas  let  down  from  heaven,  containn^.g  a 
variety  of  creatures,  both  clean  and  unclean  ;  and  at 
the  same  time  a  voice  from  heaven  was  heard  to  pro- 
claim, "  Arise,  Peter,  kill  and  eat."  The  apostle, 
yet  tenacious  of  the  Mosaical  institutions,  sai  1,  that 
he  could  not,  consistently  with  the  dictates  of  his  con- 
science, comply ;  adding,  that  he  had  never  eaten 
any  common  or  unclean  food.  Upon  this,  the  voice 
reproved  him  for  his  refusal,  saying,  that  what  God 
had  cleansed,  was  not  to  be  esteemed  common  or 
unclean.  This  was  done  thrice,  after  which  the  vi- 
sion disappeared. 

Upon  awakening,  Peter  was  greatly  perplexed,  be- 
ing unable  to  divin*!  the  meaning  of  this  extraordina- 
ry vision.  While  the  apostle  was  ruminating  upon 
the  symbolical  representation,  which  was  intended  to 
instruct  him,  that  the  Almighty  intended  to  employ 
him  in  a  new  embassy,  he  was  disturbed  by  a  knock- 
ing at  the  gate.  Three  messengers  being  introduced 
to  him,  they  informed  him,  that  a  Roman  captain, 
named  Cornelius,  a  centurion  of  the  Italian  band, 
who  was  not  a  circumcised  Jew,  but  a  proselyte  of  the 
gate,  requested  his  presence  at  Cassarea. 


300  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

On  the  following  day,  Peter  set  out  for  Caesarea  ;  on 
his  arrival  there,  Cornelius  fell  at  his  feet,  according 
to  the  frequent  practice  of  salutation  in  eastern  coun- 
tries; bui  Peter  raised  him  from  the  ground,  saying, 
the  hono/  he    intended  him  was  due  only  to  God. 

Cornelius  now  informed  Peter,  that  four  days  be- 
fore, an  angel  from  heaven  had  informed  him,  that  his 
prayers  and  alms  had  proved  acceptable  to  the  Al- 
mighty ;  and  <:ommanded  him  at  the  same  time  to 
send  to  Joppa  for  Simon  Peter,  uho  resided  at  the 
house  of  a  tanner  adjac^ent  to  the  side  of  the  sea,  who 
would  fully  instruct  him  in  the  mysteries  of  salva- 
tion. 

Peter  was  greatly  astonished  upon  hearing  this  re- 
lation, but  upon  comparing  it  with  the  vision  which 
he  had  lately  seen,  he  concluded  that  God  no  longer 
maintained  an  exclusive  kindness  for  the  Jewish  race, 
but  on  the  contrary,  meant,  that  people  of  all  persua- 
sions should  be  permitted  to  participate  in  the  bene- 
fits of  the  new  covenant. 

Peter  now  expounded  the  great  mysteries  of  salva- 
tion to  the  centurion,  and  a  considerable  number  of 
other  persons,  among  whom  were  many  Jewish  con- 
verts ;  and  uhile  he  was  speaking,  the  Holy  Ghost 
descended  upon  those  of  his  auditors  whose  hearts 
had  been  before  purified  by  faith.  The  descent  of 
the  Spirit,  enabled  them  to  magnify  the  name  of  God 
in  various  languages,  to  the  great  astonishment  of 
the  Jewish  con\erts  ;  who  till  now  had  maintained  an 
opinion,  that  God  would  never  bestow  the  graces  of 
his  Spirit  upon  the  Gentiles.  Observing  the  amaze- 
ment of  his  auditors,  Peter  snid,  he  knew  no  reason 
why  those  persons  who  had  received  the  Holy  Ghost, 
should  not  be  baptized  ;  for  their  former  errors  could 
not  reasonably  be  considered  as  ah  objection,  since 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  301 

they  were  now  converted  to  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness ;  and  he  accordingly  gave  orders  for 
their  baptism. 

The  news  of  Peter  having  admitted  Cornelius  and 
others  to  a  baptism  with  water,  whicii  is  only  a  typo 
of  the  baptism  of  the  Spirit,  being  conveyed  to  Je- 
rusalem, upon  the  return  of  Peter  to  that  city,  the 
apostles  and  other  brethren  severely  censured  him  for 
his  eating  with,  and  living  upon  terms  of  familiarity 
and  friendship  with  the  Gentiles.  Peter  defended 
himself  against  the  accusations  of  his  brethren,  by 
representing,  that  the  Almighty  had  not  confined  the 
grace  of  the  gospel  to  the  people  of  any  particular 
nation  ;  and  that  all  descriptions  of  men,  provided 
that  they  regulated  their  lives  by  the  rules  of  virtue 
and  religion,  were  entitled  to  be  admitted  into  the 
communion  of  the  gospel.  The  arguments  of  St.  Pe- 
ter so  entirely  removed  the  scruples  of  his  brethren, 
that  they  applauded  his  conduct,  and  magnified  the 
name  of  God,  for  the  extensive  benevolence  and  mer- 
cy he  had  displayed  in  affording  the  Heathens  an  op- 
portunity of  providing  for  their  eternal  salvation  by 
a  sincere  repentance,  and  an  exact  conformity  to  the 
divine  precepts  of  the  gospel  dispensation. 

Having  compleatcd  his  visitation  to  the  newly  es- 
tablished churches,  Peter  returned  to  Jerusalem, 
where,  with  unremitting  industry,  he  continued  to  pro- 
claim the  blessed  tidings  of  salvation.  But  he  was 
interrupted  in  his  course  of  righteousness  by  the  cruel 
machinations  of  Herod  Agrippa,  who,  with  a  view  to 
ingratiate  the  favor  of  the  Jews,  had  put  the  apostle 
James  to  death  ;  and  finding  this  act  of  barbarity 
highly  acceptable  to  this  obstinate  people,  he  deter- 
mined to  render  Peter  an  object  of  his  savage  barba- 
rity ;  and  in  pursuance  of  this  wicked  design,    he 


302  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

caused  that  apostle  to  be  apprehended,  and  cast  into 
prison. 

The  Christian  disciples  fervently  supplicated  the 
Almighty  for  the  deliverance  of  Peter  ;  nor  were  their 
prayers  disappointed.  On  the  night  preceding  the 
day  appointed  for  the  execution  of  St.  Peter,  an  an- 
gel of  the  Lord  descended  into  the  dungeon  where  he 
was  confined,  and  at  that  time  sleeping  between  two 
of  the  keepers  of  the  prison.  Having  disengaged  the 
apostle  from  his  fetters,  the  heavenly  messenger  awak- 
ened him,  commanding  him  to  gird  on  his  garments, 
and  follow  him.  Peter  supposed  this  to  be  merely  a 
vision  ;  till  having  passed  the  first  and  second  guard, 
and  also  a  strong  iron  gate,  which  opened  to  them  by 
a  divine  impulse,  and  walked  the  length  of  a  street 
into  the  city,  he  was  so  far  recovered  from  his  con- 
sternation, as  to  be  persuaded  that  the  whole  was  a 
matter  of  reality  ;  and  he  praised  God  for  having  res- 
cued him  from  the  power  of  Herod,  and  from  the 
vengeance  which  the  Jews  had  meditated  against 
him. 

Repairing  to  the  house  where  a  great  number  of 
Christians  had  assembled  to  pray  for  his  deliverance, 
Peter  knocked  at  the  door,  and  the  servant  maid,  hear- 
ing his  voice,  returned  to  inform  those  within,  that 
the  apostle  was  waiting.  This  information  they  con- 
sidered as  the  mere  effect  of  fancy  :  but  as  the  woman 
persisted  in  her  assertion,  they  supposed  that  the  voice 
she  had  heard  proceeded  from  the  angel  of  Peter,  or 
some  messenger  sent  by  him  from  the  courts  of  hea- 
ven. But  upon  the  door  being  opened,  they  were 
convinced  of  their  error  :  and  Peter  briefly  related  to 
them,  the  manner  in  which  he  had  been  rescued  from 
the  power  of  his  oppressors ;  and  after  requesting 
that  they  would  inform  his  brethren  of  his  deliver- 
ance, the  apostle  retired. 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER.  303 

Herod  being  informed  on  the  following  morning', 
that  the  apostle  had  effected  his  escape,  he  was  exas- 
perated to  the  most  extravagant  degree  of  rage,  and 
commanded  those  who  had  been  entrusted  with  the 
care  of  the  prisoner,  to  be  put  to  instant  death. 

A  short  time  after  the  miraculous  deliverance  of 
St.  Peter,  a  controversy  occurred  between  the  Jewish 
and  Gentile  converts  on  the  Mosaic  institutions.  The 
Jews  contended,  that  circumcision,  and  a  strict  ob- 
servance of  the  precepts  of  the  ceremonial  law,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  gospel,  were  essentially  necessary 
to  salvation.  In  consequence  of  this  dispute,  a  coun- 
cil of  the  apostles  and  brethren  was  summoned  to 
meet  in  Jerusalem  ;  and  in  this  assembly,  Peter,  af- 
ter reminding  his  auditors  that  the  Almighty  had 
been  graciously  pleased  to  appoint  him  the  first 
preacher  of  the  gospel  among  the  Gentiles,  he  said, 
that  by  conferring  upon  them  the  Holy  Spirit,  God 
had  admitted  those  people  into  the  communion  of  his 
church  ;  and  that  therefore,  to  impose  upon  them  an 
adherence  to  the  precepts  of  the  ceremonial  law,  would 
be  to  offer  an  offence  to  the  Almighty,  who  had  given 
sufficient  assurances,  that  both  Gentiles  and  Jews 
would  obtain  salvation  through  the  grace  of  the  gos- 
pel. 

Peter's  address  proved  entirely  satisfactory  to  his 
brethren  ;  and  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that  no 
other  injunction  than  the  observance  of  some  par- 
ticular precepts,  which  were  deemed  equally  salutary 
and  convenient  both  to  the  Jews  and  Gentiles,  should 
be  imposed  upon  them.  This  decision  was  drawn  up 
in  the  form  of  a  synodical  epistle,  and  sent  to  the 
churches  established  in  various  parts,  for  the  purpose 
of  appeasing  those  contentions  and  animosities  to 
which  the  dispute  had  given  rise. 


304  tHE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PETER. 

Some  time  after  the  above  decision,  Peter  quitted 
Jerusalem,  and  repaired  to  Antioch,  where,  disre- 
garding the  distinction  of  meats  prescribed  by  the 
law,  he  eat  and  conversed  with  the  Gentile  prose- 
lytes. This  practice  he  continued  till  the  arrival  of 
certain  Jewish  converts,  who  were  still  tenaciously 
observant  of  the  ceremonial  law,  from  Jerusalem. — 
Lest  he  should  offend  these  people,  he  separated 
himself  from  the  Gentiles,  refusing  to  eat,  or  hold 
further  communion  with  them.  This  example  con- 
firmed the  Jews  in- their  superstitious  observation 
of  the  law,  and  perplexed  the  Gentiles  with  new 
doubts.  Hence  were  the  ancient  and  inveterate  pre- 
judices between  the  Jews  and  the  Gentiles  revived; 
and  after  the  example  of  the  apostles,  the  whole  bo- 
dy of  the  Jewish  converts  separated  themselves  from 
the  society  of  the  Gentile  Christians  ;  and  even  Bar- 
nabas followed  this  example  of  dissimulation. 

St.  Paul  being  now  at  Antioch,  he  personally  op- 
posed the  conduct  of  Peter,  severely  reproving  him 
for  his  gross  prevarication  and  hypocrisy.  He  ex- 
posed the  inconsistency  of  St.  Peter,  saying,  that  he, 
being  himself  a  Jew,  and  consequently  under  a  more 
immediate  obligation  of  observing  the  Mosaic  law, 
was  highly  deserving  censure,  since  he  had  divested 
himself  of  the  yoke,  and  at  the  same  time  endeavor- 
ed to  impose  it  upon  the  Gentiles,  who  had  never 
been  under  the  necessity  of  conforming  to  the  cere- 
monies of  the  Israelites, 

Almost  the  whole  of  what  we  have  hitherto  related 
concerning  St.  Peter,  is  founded  on  the  authority  of 
scripture  :  but  for  further  particulars  of  the  life  of 
this  apostle,  we  must  have  recourse  to  those  writers 
of  ancient  history,  who  arc  most  esteemed  on  account 
of  ther  authenticity  and  candor. 


THE    LIFE    OF  ST.    PETER.  305 

How  long  Peter  continued  at  Antioch,  and  whe- 
ther he  went  immediately  after  his  departure  from 
thence,  are  matters  of  uncertainty.  It  is,  however, 
certain  beyond  dispute,  that  he  was  indefatigably  as- 
siduous in  promoting  the  gospel  of  Christ  :  and  we  are 
informed,  that,  exclusive  of  the  strenuous  and  suc- 
cessful measures  he  pursued  for  the  establishment  of 
Christianity  in  the  eastern  quarters  of  the  globe,  he 
preached  in  Africa,  Sicily,  Italy,  and  also  in  Bri- 
tain ;  where  he  is  said  to  have  resided  a  considera- 
ble time,  and  to  have  obtained  a  great  number  of  con- 
verts  by  his  preaching. 

St.  Peter  visited  Rome,  where,  we  are  informed, 
he  sojourned  several  years  ;  but  the  emperor  Clau- 
dius, taking  advantage  of  some  seditious  practices 
among  the  Jews,  published  an  edict  for  their  expul- 
sion ;  and  Peter,  with  others,  retired,  and  going  to 
Jerusalem,  was  present  at  the  synod  which  we  have 
lately  mentioned. 

Towards  the  conclusion  of  the  reign  of  Nero,  Pe- 
ter returned  to  Rome,  where  he  found  the  minds  of 
the  people  violently  prejudiced  against  the  doctrines 
of  the  gospel  by  the  deceptions  of  Simon  Magus, 
who,  as  we  have  related,  he  had  chastized  for  his 
wicked  practices  in  Samaria.  Foreseeing  that  the 
contrivances  of  this  abominable  impostor  would  has- 
ten his  death,  Peter  applied  himself  with  redoubled 
vigor  to  fortify  the  minds  of  his  followers,  and  to 
confirm  them  in  a  belief  of  the  divine  truths  of  the 
gospel.  For  effecting  this  salutary  purpose,  he  re- 
solutely opposed  the  delusive  machinations  of  the 
great  deceiver  of  mankind.  In  the  last  year  of  his 
life,  Peter  seems  to  have  written  his  tv/o  epistles  to 
the  dispersed  Jews  in  Pontus,  Galatia,  Cappadocia, 
and  Bythinia  ;  and  in  an  appointed  controversy  with 
Simon,  he  publicly  exposed  the  magical  impostures 

VOL.    II.  2.   p 


306  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PETER. 

of  that  monster  of  iniquity  ;  and  afterwards,  through 
the  divine  assistance  brought  him  to  an  ignominious, 
miserable,  and  exemplary  death. 

News  of  the  death  of  Simon  being  communicated 
to  the  emperor,  he  determined  to  avenge  himself  both 
for  the  loss  of  his  favorite,  and  the  endeavors  used 
by  the  apostle  to  '*  turn  mankind  from  darkness  into 
*'  light,  and  from  the  power  Satan  unto  God."  He 
accordingly  issued  an  order  for  taking  Peter  into  cus- 
tody, together  with  his  companion  St.   Paul. 

St.  Ambrose  informs  us,  that  the  people  perceiving 
the  danger  to  which  St.  Peter  was  exposed,  they  ad- 
vised him  to  retire  from  Rome ;  and  that  yielding, 
though  reluctantly,  to  their  persuasions,  he  escaped 
by  night.  But  as  he  was  passing  the  gate,  he  was 
met  by  a  figure  resembling  his  beloved  Master  ;  and 
upon  Peter  asking  whether  he  was  going,  he  was  an- 
swered, *'  To  Rome,  to  be  crucified  a  second  time." 
Peter  understanding  this  as  a  reproof  for  his  want  of 
resolution,  returned  into  the  city  ;  and  presently  af- 
terwards he  was  apprehended,  and,  together  with  St. 
Paul,  committed  to  the  Mamertine  prison  ;  where  they 
remained  eight  or  nine  months,  constantly  employed 
in  preaching  to  their  fellow-prisoners,  aud  to  those 
people  who  resorted  to  them,  and  in  other  religious 
exercises.  It  is  supposed  that  during  this  confinement, 
and  but  a  short  time  before  his  death,  Peter  wrote 
his  second  epistle  to  the  dispersed  Jews. 

Upon  the  return  of  Nero  from  Achaia,  he  resolved 
to  sacrifice  the  apostles  to  his  cruelty  and  revenge. — 
It  was  the  pleasure  of  the  Almighty,  that  St.  Peter 
should  now  be  released  from  the  afflictions  incidental 
to  this  sublunary  life,  and  that  his  pious  labors  should 
be  rewarded  with  the  blessings  of  immortality.  Be- 
ing condemned  by  the  Romon  emperor  to  suffer  death, 


THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PETER.  307 

he  was  conducted  to  the  summit  of  the  Vctican  Mount, 
adjacent  to  the  Tiber,  there  to  surrender  up  his  life 
on  the  cross. 

Upon  his  arrival  at  the  place  of  execution,  he  re- 
quested, that  he  might  not  suffer  in  the  usual  man- 
ner, but  with  his  head  towards  tiie  earth  ;  saying,  that 
he  was  unworthy  to  die  in  the  posture  in  which  his 
blessed  Redeemer  had  suffered.  This  was  comj)lied 
with  ;  and  he  yielded  up  his  soul,  glorifying  the  name 
of  God.  St,  Peter  and  St  Paul  suffered  martyrdom  on 
the  same  day,  being,  according  to  the  calculations  of 
many  learned  chronologists,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
LXV. 

The  body  of  St.  Peter  is  said  to  have  been  em- 
balmed, according  to  the  Jewish  custom,  by  a  pres- 
byter, named  Marcellinus,  and  to  have  been  buried  in 
the  Vatican  near  the  Triumphal  Way.  A  small 
church  was  soon  afterwards  erected  on  the  spot  where 
the  body  was  deposited.  This  building  was  destroy- 
ed by  Heliogabalus,  and  the  remains  of  the  apostle 
were  removed  to  the  cemetary  in  the  Appian  Way. 
In  the  time  of  Cornelius,  the  body  was,  by  order  of 
that  pope,  conveyed  back  to  the  Vatican,  where  the 
emperor  Constantine  erected,  to  the  memory  of  this 
apostle,  a  superb  church,  which  bears  his  name,  and 
is  considered  as  one  of  the  most  stupendous  and  mag. 
nificent  structures  in  the  world. 

That  St.  Peter  was  a  married  man  is  beyond  dis- 
pute ;  for  his  wife's  mother  is  mentioned  in  scripture. 
A  tradition  is  extant,  mentioning,  that  long  before 
the  death  of  the  apostle,  his  wife  suffered  martyrdom  ; 
and  that  as  she  was  proceeding  to  the  place  of  execu- 
tion, he  exhorted  her  to  rely  on  the  mediation  of  the 
blessed  Jesus.  He  is  said  to  have  left  one  daughter, 
named  Petronilla  ;  but  this  is  not  ascertained  to  any 
degree  of  certainty. 


(     308     ) 


The  life  of  St.  PAUL. 


T 


HIS  apostle  was  a  descendant  from  the  race  of 
Abraham,  and  a  native  of  Tarsus,  the  metropolis  of 
Cilicia,  a  rich  and  populous  Roman  municipium,  or 
free  corporation,  situated  about  three  hundred  miles 
from  Jerusalem.  He  was  of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  and 
born  about  two  years  before  our  blessed  Saviour.  St. 
Paul  was  educated  in  Jerusalem,  under  the  celebrated 
rabbi  Gamaliel.  He  was  one  of  the  most  rigid  and 
zealous  observers  of  the  law  of  Moses  ;  and  at  an 
early  period  of  life,  attached  himself  to  the  sect  of 
Pharisees. 

With  respect  to  his  double  capacity  of  being  of 
Jewish  extraction,  and  born  a  Roman  citizen,  he  had 
two  names,  Saul  and  Paul ;  the  former  being  Hebrew, 
and  the  other  Latin.  The  descendants  of  Benjamin 
were  accustomed  to  give  the  name  of  Saul  to  their 
children,  from  the  time  of  the  first  king  of  Israel,  who 
was  chosen  out  of  that  tribe  ;  and  Paul  was  a  name 
common  among  the  Romans.  He  was  brought  up  to 
the  trade  of  tent  making  ;  it  being  an  invariable  prac- 
tice of  the  Jews,  to  cause  their  children  to  be  in- 
structed in  some  useful  occupation,  that,  in  case  of  a 
change  of  circumstances,  they  might  be  able  to  earn 
a  livelihood. 

Saul,  being  of  an  active  and  sanguine  disposition, 
became  a  dibiinguished  advocate  in  favor  of  the  law 
of  Mo^es,  and  the  traditions  of  the  elders.  He  was 
impatit  lit  of  all  opposition  to  the  doctrines  and  tenets 
in  which  he  had  been  educated,  and  a  vehement  blas- 
phemer and  ,'crsecutor  of  the  Christians.  But,  in  jus- 
tification of  the  conduct  of  this  apostle,  in  the  early 


THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PAUL.  309 

part  of  his  life,  it  must  be  observed,  that  he  acted  ac- 
cording to  the  dictates  of  his  conscience,  whereby  he 
conceived  hinriself  to  be  bound  to  do  "  many  things 
*'  contrary  to  the  name  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth."  Hence 
then  it  appears,  that  the  prejudices  of  his  education, 
and  the  natural  warmth  of  his  temper,  co-operated  to 
incite  him  to  those  implacable  persecutions  of  the 
Christians,  for  which  he  was  so  celebrated. 

Saul  was  one  of  those  who  engaged  in  the  disputa- 
tion with  Stephen  the  martyr,  concerning  the  Messi- 
ah ;  but  how  far  he  was  accessary  in  procuring  him 
to  be  put  to  death  by  false  accusation,  is  uncertain.-— 
After  this,  he  procured  a  commission  from  the  San- 
hedrim to  extend  his  persecution  to  Damascus,  and 
to  bring  back  in  chains  such  Christians  as  had  fled 
thither  for  shelter.  But  on  his  way  to  Damascus  to 
execute  the  commission  of  the  Jewish  Sanhedrim,  a 
light,  far  more  refulgent  than  the  meridian  brightness 
of  the  sun,  darted  upon  him.  Saul,  and  the  persons 
who  accompanied  him,  were  thrown  into  the  utmost 
consternation,  and  they  fell  from  their  horses  prostrate 
on  the  earth.  A  voice  in  the  Hebrew  language  was 
now  heard  to  say,  *'  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou 
"  me  f "  Upon  this  Saul  said,  "  Who  an  thou,  Lord  ?" 
He  was  immediately  answered,  '*  I  am  Jesus  of  Na- 
"  zareth  whom  thou  persecutest  :  it  is  hard  for  thee 
*'  to  kick  against  the  pricks."  These  words  implied, 
that  all  his  endeavors  to  exterpate  that  faith  which 
his  disciples  reposed  in  him  would  prove  ineffectual, 
and  like  kicking  against  the  spikes,  would  serve  only 
to  wound  and  torment  himself. 

Being  novv  perfectly  convinced  that  Jesus  was  the 
Messiah,  Saul  said,  "  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me 
*'  to  do  ?"  Upon  this  the  blessed  Jesus  informed  him 
of  the  reason  of  his  appearance,  saying,  "  Arise  and 
**  stand  uponihy  feet ;  for  I  have  appeared  unto  thee 


310  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

*'  for  this  purpose,  to  make  thee  a  minister  and  a 
*'  witness,  both  of  those  things  in  which  I  will  ap- 
**  peal  unto  thee,  deliveringithcc  from  the  Gentiles  ; 
"  unto  whom  now  I  send  thee,  to  open  their  eyes, 
**  and  turn  them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the 
**  power  of  Satan  to  God  ;  that  they  may  receive  for- 
*^  givness  of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  them  that 
"  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me."  Our  blessed 
Saviour  commanded  Saul  to  repair  immediately  to 
the  city,  referring  him  for  further  instructions  to  one 
of  his  followers  named  Ananias. 

Upon  arising,  Saul  found  himself  deprived  of  sight ; 
and  therefore  his  companions,  who  heard,  but  did  not 
understand  the  voice,  led  him  to  the  city  of  Damas- 
cus, where  he  entered  the  house  of  one  Judas,  there 
he  remained  without  sight  for  three  days  ;  during 
which  space  he  neither  eat  nor  drank,  but  employed 
the  whole  time  in  beseeching  the  Almighty  to  pardon 
the  sins  of  his  ignorance. 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  appeared  to  Ananias,  and 
commanded  him  to  go  to  the  house  of  Judas,  and  en- 
quire for  Saul  of  Tarsus,  whom  he  had  chosen  to 
preach  the  gospel  both  to  the  Jews  and  Gentiles ; 
mentioning  at  the  same  time,  the  great  sufferings  he 
would  endure  in  the  cause  of  religion. 

In  obedience  to  the  command  of  his  heavenly  Mas- 
ter, Ananias  repaired  to  Saul,  and  laying  his  hands 
upon  him,  said,  that  Jesus  had  sent  him  to  restore 
his  sight ;  and  by  an  infusion  of  the  Spirit  to  give 
him  a  knowledge  of  those  divine  truths  which  he  had 
opposed  ;  adding  that  Jesus  was  now  willing  to  re- 
ceive him  by  baptism  into  his  church,  and  to  consti- 
tute him  a  member  of  his  body.  Ananias  had  no 
sooner  concluded,  than  Saul  recovered  his  sight. 


THE    LIFE    Ot    ST.    PAUL.  311 

To  the  utter  astonishment  of  the  multitude,  Saul 
now  publicly  proclaimed  the  gospel  of  Christ,  assert- 
inf^  that  "  Jesus  was  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God;" 
and  demonstrating  this  great  truth  by  such  incontro- 
vertible testimony,  as  would  admit  of  no  reply  from 
the  enemies  of  the  Christian  doctrine. 

Soon  after  the  miraculous  conversion  of  St.  Paul, 
he  travelled  into  Arabia  Petraea,  where  he  received  a 
full  revelation  of  the  mysteries  of  Christianity.  Hav- 
ing preached  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  he  re- 
turned to  Damascus,  where  he  converted  a  great  num- 
ber both  of  Jews  and  Gentiles.  The  great  success 
of  the  preaching  of  St.  Paul  so  irritated  the  Jews, 
that  after  he  had  remained  in  Damascus,  and  the 
parts  adjacent  thereto,  about  two  or  three  years,  they 
prevailed  upon  the  governor  to  determine  upon  putting 
him  to  death  :  but  knowing  that  he  had  a  vast  num- 
ber of  friends  in  Damascus,  his  enemies  foresaw,  that 
to  apprehend  him  would  be  an  undertaking  of  consi- 
derable difficulty.  They  continually  searched  for  him 
in  the  houses  where  he  was  supposed  to  conceal  him- 
self, and  obtained  a  body  of  soldiers  from  the  gover- 
nor to  watch  the  gates,  lest  he  should  escape  their  fury. 
Whilehewas  thus  circumstanced, his  Christian  friends 
exerted  their  utmost  endeavors  for  giving  him  an  op- 
portunity of  privately  retiring  from  the  city  :  but  find- 
ing it  impossible  to  effect  an  escape  through  either  of 
the  gates,  they  lowered  him  in  a  basket  from  the  win- 
dow of  one  of  their  houses ;  and  by  that  means,  he 
( luded  the  vigilcnce  of  the  people  employed  to  ap* 
prehend  him. 

St.  Paul  now  returned  to  Jerusalem,  where  the 
Christians,  however,  avoided  his  society  :  but  Bar- 
nabas introduced  him  to  Peter,  and  James,  the  bishop 
of  Jerusalem,  informing  them  of  his  miraculous  con- 


ol2  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

version  ;  in  consequence  of  which,   they  kindly  en- 
tertained him  for  the  space  of  fifteen  days. 

Being  warned  by  God  in  a  vision,  that  his  testimo- 
ny would  not  be  received  at  Jerusalem,  and  that  is  was 
expedient  he  should  depart,  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
the  Gentiles,  St.  Paul  returned  to  Tarsus,  his  native 
city  ;  from  whence  he  in  a  short  time  accompanied 
Barnabas  to  Antioch,  to  assist  in  propagating  Christi- 
anity among  the  inhabitants  of  that  city. 

In  this  city,  where  St.  Paul  resided  a  whole  year, 
the  disciples  first  acquired  the  appellati(m  of  Chris- 
tians,  being  before  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Na- 
zarenes. 

About  this  period,  a  dreadful  famine  prevailed  in 
many  parts  of  the  Roman  empire,  and  particularly  in 
Judea.  In  consequence  of  this  calamity,  Barnabas 
and  Saul  were  deputed  to  convey  contributions  from 
the  Christians  of  Antioch  to  their  distressed  brethren 
in  Jerusalem.  Immediately  after  executing  their  com- 
mission, they  returned  to  Antioch,  and  while  they 
"Were  there  employed  in  the  exercise  of  their  religious 
duty,  it  was  revealed  to  them  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  that 
it  was  the  pleasure  of  the  Almighty,  that  they  should 
preach  the  gospel  in  distant  parts. 

They  accordingly  departed,  and  first  visited  Seleu- 
cia,  from  whence  they  sailed  for  Cyprus  ;  and  at  Sa- 
lamis,  a  considerable  city  in  that  island,  they  preach- 
ed in  the  Jewish  synagogue.  From  hence  they  pro- 
ceeded to  Paphos,  the  residence  of  Sergius  Paulus, 
the  proconsul  of  the  island  ;  a  man  who,  though  of 
great  wisdom  and  integrity,  had  yielded  to  the  seduc- 
tions of  Bar- Jesus,  a  Jewish  impostor,  who  stiled  him- 
self Elymas,  or  the  magician.  The  apostles  severely 
rebuked  Eiymas  for  his  opposition  to  the  truths  of 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  313 

the  gospel,  and  informed  him,  that  he  would  spec 
dily  be  made  a  signal  instance  of  the  divine  venge- 
ance ;  and  of  this  he  was  no  sooner  informed,  than 
he  was  deprived  of  sight.  This  miracle,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  preaching  of  the  apostles,  convinced  the 
proconsul  of  the  truth  of  the  gospel,  to  which  he  be- 
came a  convert. 

St.  Paul,  accompanied  by  Titus,  repaired  to  Phry- 
gia  in  Pamphylia,  and  from  thence  to  Antioch,  the 
metropolis  of  Pisidia,  where  Paul  preached  in  the  sy- 
nagogue on  two  succeeding  sabbaths.  The  impres- 
sion which  the  discourses  of  Paul  made  upon  the 
minds  of  the  people,  so  exasperated  the  Jews,  that 
they  exclaimed  against  Jesus  of  Nazareth  in  a  stile  of 
the  most  shocking  blasphemy.  But  notwithstanding 
their  malicious  and  vehement  opposition,  the  apostles 
persevered  in  the  discharge  of  their  duty,  and  obtain- 
ed a  great  number  of  converts. 

By  base  and  artful  insinuations,  a  number  of  the 
bigotted  women  were  induced  to  attempt  inflam- 
ing their  husbands  against  the  apostles,  who  in  con- 
sequence of  this  stratagem,  were  driven  out  of  the 
city.  Upon  their  departure,  they  shook  the  dust 
from  their  feet,  in  testimony  of  their  disapprobatioR 
of  the  ingratitude  and  infidelity  of  their  enemies. 

From  Antioch  they  proceeded  to  Iconium,  the  ca- 
pital of  Lyconia,  in  the  Lesser  Asia,  where  their 
preaching  was  attended  with  great  success.  Though 
they  had  made  converts  of  a  very  considerable  part 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  city,  others  still  entertained 
the  most  implacable  enmity  towards  them.  The  un- 
believing Jews  prevailed  upon  a  number  of  the  Gen- 
tiles to  join  them  in  opposing  the  apostles,  whom  this 
faction,  at  length,  determined  to  stone  to  death.  But 

VOL.     II.  2  (^ 


314  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PAUL. 

being  apprized  of  this  cruel  design,  they  privately 
departed. 

Proceeding  to  Lystra,  they  preached  the  gospel  in 
different  places  of  public  worship  ;  and  amidst  a  nu- 
merous congregation,  St.  Paul,  beholding  a  man  who 
had  been  born  a  cripple,  said  to  him  aloud,  '*  Stand 
*'  upright  on  thy  feet :"  and  these  words  were  no 
sooner  pronounced,  than  he  rose  and  walked.  This 
miracle  raised  the  admiration  of  the  spectators,  who 
being  educated  in  the  superstitious  customs  of  the 
Heathen  worship,  cried  out,  *'  The  gods  are  come 
"down  to  us  in  the  likeness  of  men."  The  fame  of 
this  wonderful  cure,  was  soon  spread  throughout  the 
city  ;  and  the  inhabitants  assembled,  and  being  pre- 
ceded by  the  priest  of  Jupiter,  and  several  oxen  de- 
corated with  garlands,  repaired  to  the  house  where 
the  apostles  resided,  in  order  to  offer  up  sacrifices 
to  them,  and  otherwise  honor  them  as  divinities. 

Paul  and  Barnabas  were  no  sooner  informed  of  their 
intention,  than  being  greatly  affected  on  account  of 
the  superstitious  notions  of  the  people,  they  rent  their 
garments  in  testimony  of  their  abhorrence  of  the  ido- 
latrous principles  of  the  multitude.  Addressing  them- 
selves to  the  people,  they  said,  that  the  miracle  was 
performed  in  the  name  of  Christ,  and  that  they  them- 
selves being  no  more  than  men,  were  consequently 
unworthy  divine  honors  ;  but  they  exhorted  them  to 
pay  their  adorations  to  that  Almighty  Being,  to  whose 
bounty  alone  they  were  indebted  for  all  the  blessings 
they  enjoyed. 

By  the  arguments  of  the  apostles,  the  multitude 
were,  though  with  difficulty,  persuaded  to  decline 
their  intended  idolatrous  sacrifice.  The  apostles  con- 
tinued to  proclaim  the  happy  tidings  of  salvation, 
through  repentance,  and  faith  in  our  blessed  Lord  and 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  315 

Saviour  Jesus  Chirst :  but  they  were  still  harrassed 
by  the  malicious  and  bigotted  Israelites,  some  of 
whom  coming  from  Antioch  and  Iconium  to  Lystra, 
instilled  such  vile  prejudices  into  the  minds  of  the 
people,  that  they  cast  stones  at,  and  in  other  respects 
treated  the  apostles  with  the  most  savage  barbarity. 
St.  Paul  nearly  fell  a  sacrifice  to  this  severity  ;  for  he 
was  deprived  of  all  sensation,  and  dragged  out  of  the 
city  under  the  supposition  that  he  was  dead.  While 
the  Christians  of  Lystra  were  lamenting  over  him, 
and  probably  preparing  to  convey  him  to  a  place  of 
interment,  he  arose,  and  returned  with  them  into  the 
city.  On  the  following  day,  Paul  and  Barnabas  de- 
parted to  Derbe,  and  gained  many  converts  to  the 
gospel  of  Christ. 

In  a  short  time  they  re-visited  Lystra,  Iconium,  and 
Antioch  of  Pisidia,  where,  after  confirming  the  faith 
of  the  people  they  had  converted  to  Christianity,  they 
appointed  elders  and  pastors  to  yield  them  further  in- 
structions as  to  their  religious  duties. 

Passing  through  Pisidia,  they  came  to  Pamphylia  ; 
and  after  preaching  at  Perga,  they  proceeded  to  Atta- 
lia.  Having  compleatcd  the  circuit  of  their  ministry, 
they  returned  to  Antioch  in  Syria,  from  whence  they 
had  at  first  departed. 

The  famous  controversy  now  occurred,  with  res- 
pect to  the  observation  of  the  Jewish  ceremonies  in 
the  Christian  dispensation.  Paul  and  Barnabas  went 
to  consult  with  the  apostles  and  other  brethren  at  Je- 
rusalem, as  to  the  most  expedient  measures  for  ter- 
minating their  controversy.  They  addressed  them- 
selves to  Peter,  James  and  John,  who  perceiving  that 
the  gospel  of  the  uncircumcision  was  committed  to 
Paul,  and  that  of  the  circumcision  to  Peter,  it  was 
resolved,  that  the  former  should  preach  to  the  Gen- 


316  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

tiles,  and  the  latter  to  the  Jews.  A  council  being 
summoned,  a  resolution  unanimously  passed,  that 
the  Gentiles  were  not  under  the  obligation  of  the  law 
of  Moses,  and  therefore  that  some  persons  of  their 
own  church  should  be  joined  with  Paul  and  Barnabas 
to  carry  the  decrees  of  the  council  to  Antioch. 

St.  Paul  and  his  companions  returned  to  Antioch, 
whether  Peter  also  repaired  in  a  short  time  after. — 
The  decretal  epistle  being  read  in  the  church,  the 
converts  familiarly  associated  with  the  Gentiles  :  but 
upon  the  arrival  of  some  of  the  Jews  from  Jerusalem, 
St.  Peter  separated  himself  from  the  Gentiles,  refus- 
ing to  hold  any  communication  with  them.  Upon 
this  occasion,  St.  Paul  severely  rebuked  him  for  the 
practice  of  hypocrisy. 

Paul,  accompanied  by  Silas,  visited  the  churches  of 
Syria  and  Cilicia,  and  from  thence  proceeded  to  Crete, 
where  Paul  constituted  Titus  to  be  the  first  bishop 
and  pastor  of  the  island.  Hence  Paul  and  Silas,  by 
the  way  of  Cilicia,  came  to  Lystra,  where  they  found 
Timothy,  whom  Paul  designed  for  the  companion  of 
his  future  travels.  But  knowing  that  his  being  un- 
circumcised,  would  occasion  the  Jews  to  object  to 
his  gospel,  he  caused  him  to  submit  to  that  institu- 
tion. St.  Paul  and  his  companions  now  passed 
through  Phiygia  into  the  country  of  Galatia,  where 
they  were  held  in  high  veneration,  being  esteemed 
the  immediate  messengers  of  heaven.  By  a  revela- 
tion, St.  Paul  was  prohibited  from  preaching  in  Asia, 
and  by  a  second  vision,  he  was  commanded  to  repair 
to  Macedonia. 

Being  joined  by  St.  Luke,  who  from  this  time  be- 
came his  inseparable  companion,  St.  Paul  and  his 
associates  passed  from  Asia  into  Europe.  They  sail- 
ed to  the  island  of  Samothracia,  in  the  ^gean  Sea, 


THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PAUL.  317 

and  the  following  day  arrived  at  Neapolis,  a  part  of 
Macedonia.  From  Neapolis  they  proceeded  to  Phi- 
lippi,  the  capital  of  that  part  of  Macedonia,  and  a 
Roman  colony,  where  they  continued   some  days. 

While  they  remained  in  these  parts,  Paul  preach- 
ed in  the  proseucha,  or  oratory  of  the  Jews,  which 
was  situated  by  the  side  of  the  river  and  at  some  dis- 
tance from  the  city.  By  the  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  St.  Paul  obtained  a  great  number  of  converts, 
among  whom  was  a  woman  named  Lydia,  a  Jewish 
proselyte,  and  a  native  of  Thyatira.  This  woman 
and  her  whole  family  being  baptized,  she  became  ex- 
ceedingly importunate  that  Paul  and  his  companions 
should  reside  at  her  house  ;  and  they  were  prevail- 
ed upon  to  accept  her  invitation. 

While  the  apostles  remained  in  this  city,  they  daily 
resorted  to  the  oratory,  for  the  purpose  of  employing 
themselves  in  religious  exercises.  After  some  days 
had  elapsed,  as  they  were  passing  to  the  usual  place 
of  devotion,  they  were  met  by  a  young  woman,  who, 
by  the  influence  of  an  evil  spirit,  possessed  a  prophe- 
tic spirit  of  divination.  This  woman  followed  Paul 
and  his  companions,  exclaiming,  *'  These  men  are  the 
**  servants  of  the  most  High  God,  which  shew  unto 
"  us  the  way  of  salvation.''  In  this  manner  she  be- 
haved on  several  successive  days  ;  and  at  length  Paul, 
in  the  name  of  Jesus,  commanded  the  spirit  to  de- 
part from  her  ;  and  the  demon  immediately  obeyed. 

Her  masters  had  been  accustomed  to  derive  consi- 
derable emoluments  from  her  predictions  ;  and  there- 
fore they  were  highly  exasperated  against  the  apostles, 
for  having  deprived  them  of  a  power  which  had  proved 
so  profitable  to  them.  By  the  instigation  of  these 
men,  die  multitude  were  inflamed  against  Paul  and 
his  companions,  whom  they  seized,  and  conducted 


318  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PAUL. 

before  the  magistrates  of  the  colony,  accusing  them  of 
baring  iatrodujtd  innovations,  in  which  they,  being 
HomanNj  couia  not  luwiuily  acquiesce. 

Desi- .^us  of  preserving  ii:e  :i..nv-|uillity  of  the  state, 
the  m.  gistai^s  resolved  to  punish  Paul  and  his  compa- 
nions, whom  the  rauhiuide  had  accused  of  seditious 
practices;  and  thcitfore  they  ordered  them  to  be 
stripped,  and  severely  scourged. 

This  v.i^c.j'iine  was  infiicted  upon  the  aposdes,  who 
were  afterwards  committed  to  prison,  the  Keeper  being 
orde.-cd  to  guard  them  with  uncommon  vigilance  : 
and  he  accordingly  put  them  into  the  inner  prison, 
aAd  confined  their  feet  in  the  stocks.  Notwithstand- 
ing their  disagreeable  situation,  their  minds  vv*. re  per- 
fectly serene  ;  and  at  midnight  they  sung  the  praises 
of,  and  prayed  to  the  Almighty  in  so  audible  a  voice, 
thai  they  were  heard  in  every  part  of  the  prison.  Their 
prayers  to  the  throne  of  gruce  were  not  in  vain;  for 
the  very  foundations  of  the  prison  were  shook  by  an 
earthquake  ;  the  prisoners  were  released  from  their 
chains,  and  the  gates  opened.  The  gaoler  being  rouz- 
ed  from  his  sleep,  concluded  that  all  his  prisoners 
had  escap>ed,  and  being  driven  by  this  apprehension 
to  a  state  of  desperation,  he  attempted  to  put  a  period 
to  his  life.  Observing  his  intention,  Paul  cried  out, 
**  Do  thyself  no  harm,  for  we  are  all  here.''  The 
gaoler  now  imagined  that  the  iaie  convulsion  of  na- 
ture had  been  wrought  by  the  Almighty  for  the  sake 
of  the  apostles,  and  calling  for  a  light  he  hastened 
into  their  presence,  and  prostrated  himself  ut  iheir 
feet.  He  then  conducted  them  to  his  house,  bathed 
their  stripes,  and  supplicated  them  to  instruct  him  in 
the  knowledge  of  that  God,  through  whose  unbound- 
ed goodness  mankind  might  secure  their  eternal  sal- 
vation. St.  Paul  replied,  that  if  he  sincerely  believed 
in  Jesus  Christ,  he  might  be  saved  with  his  whole 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  319 

house.  Accordingly  the  gaoler,  and  all  the  psrsons 
of  his  family,  received  baptism,  and  were  iiclmiltcd 
members  of  the  church  of  Chribl. 

Early  in  the  morning-,  the  magistrates,  either  hav- 
ing heard  of  the  extraordinary  events  which  had  hap- 
pened, or  reflecting  that  the  severity  of  their  proceed- 
ings was  wholly  unjustifiable,  dispatched  an  ofilcer  to 
the  prison,  with  ordtrs  for  restoring  the  aplastics  to 
freedom.  This  message  was  joyfully  received  by  the 
gaoler,  who  bid  his  prisoners,  '*  depart  in  peace." 
But  that  the  magistrates  might  be  made  sensible  of 
the  injustice  of  which  they  hatl  been  guilty  in  punish- 
ing him  and  his  companions  without  either  trial  or 
examination,  St.  Paul  sent  ihem  a  message,  purport- 
ing, that  as  they  had  proceeded  to  so  unwarrantable 
an  extremity  as  to  scourge  and  imprison  subjects  to 
the  Roman  empire,  in  open  violation  of  the  law,  it 
■was  expected  that  they  would  themselves  repair  to  the 
prison,  and  make  some  compensation  for  the  illega- 
lity of  their  proceedings.  The  Roman  laws  permit- 
ted no  freeman  to  be  punished  without  a  formal  trial, 
nor  till  sentence  of  condemnatian  had  been  pronounc- 
ed against  him  ;  and  therefore  the  magistrates  were 
terrified,  lest  they  should  be  called  to  a  severe  account 
for  their  delinquency.  Induced  by  this  consideration, 
they  repaired  to  the  prison,  and  in  the  most  submis- 
sive and  earnest  manner,  entreated  the  apostles  to 
depart,  lest  the  public  tranquillity  should  be  inter- 
rupted. 

However  inadequate  to  the  cruel  treatment  they  had 
experienced,  the  submission  of  the  magistrates  was 
accepted  by  the  meek  disciples  of  the  blessed  Jesus  ; 
who  departing  from  the  prison,  went  to  the  house  of 
Lydia,  where  ihcy  were  joyfully  congratulated  by  their 
brethren,  on  occasion  of  their  deliverance. 


320  THE    LIFE    OF  ST.    PAUL. 

Having  thus,  as  appears  from  the  epistle  of  St.  Paul 
to  the  Philippians,  established  a  very  considerable 
church,  the  apostles  quitted  Philippi,  and  pursued 
their  journey  towards  the  west.  Upon  their  arrival 
at  Thessalonica,  the  metropolis  of  Macedonia,  situ- 
ated about  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  from  Philip- 
pi,  they  entered  the  Jewish  synagogue,  where  St. 
Paul  preached  to  the  people.  While  the  apostles  re- 
mained in  Thessalonica,  they  resided  in  the  house  of 
a  Christian  named  Jason,  who  entertained  them  in  a 
most  courteous  and  friendly  manner.  But  the  Jews 
still  persevered  in  their  obstinate  incredulity,  refusing 
to  acknowledge  Christ  as  the  Messiah,  and  persecut- 
ing his  disciples  with  unrelenting  fury. 

A  number  of  Jews  assembled  before  the  house  of 
Jason,  with  a  design  of  surrendering  Paul  into  the 
power  of  the  enraged  multitude :  but  in  this  they 
were  disappointed  ;  for  being  apprized  of  the  intention 
of  the  banditti,  Paul  and  Silas  removed  to  another 
part  of  the  city.  This  disappointment  served  more 
violently  to  exasperate  the  rage  of  the  populace,  who 
now  determined  to  wreak  vengeance  upon  Jason,  for 
having  afforded  an  asylum  to  the  apostles  of  our  bles- 
sed  Saviour.  Seizing  Jason  and  several  of  his  Chris- 
tian brethren,  they  conducted  them  before  the  magis- 
trates, alledging,  that  they  had  been  guilty  of  sedi- 
tious practices,  in  setting  up  Jesus  as  a  king,  in  con- 
tempt of  the  dignity  and  power  of  the  emperor  of 
Rome.  Jason  was  only  accused  of  harboring  those 
who  had  endeavored  to  introduce  innovations  in  the 
government  :  but  the  magistrates  could  not  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  release  him  and  his  companions  till  they 
had  given  security  for  their  appearance,  in  case  of 
being  called  upon  to  answer  the  charges  exhibited 
against  them. 

The  tumult  being  appeased,  Paul  and  Silas,  being 


THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PAUL. 


321 


favored  in  their  escape  by  a  considerable  number  of 
Tlicssalonians,  retired  by  night  to  Berea,  a  city  at 
about  fifty  miles  distance  towards  the  south.  Here 
Paul  preached  in  the  synag-ogue,  particularly  addres- 
sing himself  to  his  countrymen,  to  effect  whose  con- 
version he  was  exceedingly  anxious.  He  frequently 
adverted  to  the  scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament,  de- 
ducing therefrom  the  most  incontrovertible  testimo- 
nies in  support  of  the  truths  of  the  doctrines  he  had 
advanced.  The  inhabitants  of  Berea  were  not  so  ob- 
stinately perverse  as  the  people  of  Thessalonica,  for 
they  attended  to  the  doctrines  of  St.  Paul  with  serious 
respect  and  unfeigned  reverence.  He  obtained  a  great 
number  both  of  Jewish  and  Gentile  converts,  among 
whom  were  several  women  distinguished  for  their  ex- 
tensive possessions,  and  elevated  rank  in  life. 

News  of  this  extraordinary  success  of  the  gospel 
beins:  transmitted  to  Thessalonica,  the  Jews  of  that 
city  were  highly  incensed  against  the  apostles,  and 
repairing  to  Berea,  by  a  variety  of  stratagems  they 
exasperated  the  populace  against  them.  In  conse- 
quence hereof,  Paul  was  under  the  necessity  of  pri- 
vately departing  :  but  Silas  and  Timothy,  being  less 
popular,  and  consequently  less  envied,  still  remained 
in  the  city. 

Paul  having  retired  from  Berea,  a  report  was  cir- 
culated, that  he  meant  to  depart  from  Greece  by  sea ; 
it  being  supposed,  that  this  would  tend  to  appease 
that  violent  spirit  of  persecution,  which  the  Jews  had 
maliciously  exerted  against  him.  By  the  order  of 
the  apostle,  the  guides  who  attended  him,  conducted 
him  to  Athens,  and  returned,  after  being  ordered  to 
direct  Silas  and  Timothy  to  repair  to  Athens  with  all 
possible  expedition. 

Taking  an  accurate  survey  of  the  city  of  Athens, 

VOL.     II.  2    R 


322  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

St.  Paul  was  greatly  afflicted  to  find,  that  it  contained 
vast  numbers  of  temples  dedicated  to  the  worship  of 
different  idols.  St.  Paul  exerted  his  utmost  efforts 
for  effecting  the  conversion  of  these  misguided  peo- 
ple, to  whom  his  doctrine  was  equally  new  and  extra- 
ordinary. The  Athenians  did  not  persecute  him  as 
the  Jews  had  done  ;  but  the  Epicurean  and  Stoic  phi- 
losophers, considered  the  gospel  of  our  blessed  Savi- 
our as  a  fiibulous  invention,  while  others  supposed 
Jesus  to  be  some  newly  discovered  deity,  whose  image 
the  apostle  wished  to  be  erected  in  tlieir  temples. 

The  people  were  unwilling  to  receive  any  new  ob- 
jects of  worship  :  but  the  Araeopagus  or  supreme 
council  of  the  city  being  invested  with  power  to  de- 
cide with  respect  to  all  objects  of  public  adoration,  he 
was  summoned  to  appear  before  these  judges,  and  to 
explain  to  them  the  nature  of  the  worship  he  was  so 
desirous  to  establish.  Being  conducted  into  the  pre- 
sence of  this  assembly,  in  an  elegant  address  he  ex- 
plained to  them  the  principles  on  which  his  gospel 
was  founded.  In  the  course  of  his  harangue  he  men- 
tioned the  resurrection,  v\  hich  was  ridiculed  by  some 
of  his  auditors  :  but  others,  though  not  perfectly  sa- 
tisfied by  the  proofs  he  had  advanced  in  favor  of  the 
Christian  system,  attended  to  his  arguments  with  can- 
dor, and  were  deeply  impressed  by  the  strength  of  his 
reasoning  and  the  elegance  of  his  diction.  He  was  at 
length  dismissed  by  the  coiuicil,  who  said  they  would 
give  him  a  second  audience  on  the  same  subject  -— 
St.  Paul's  discourse  on  the  above  occasion  was  not 
wholly  without  success,  for  some  few  of  his  auditors 
were  converted  to  a  belief  in  his  gospel  ;  and  among 
them  were  Dionysius,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  court, 
and  Damaris,  supposed  to  be  his  wife.  It  is  gene- 
rally believed,  that  this  Dionysius  was  afterwards  con- 
stituted first  bishop  of  Athens  by  St.  Paul. 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  323 

During  the  residence  of  St.  Paul  in  the  city  of 
Athens,  Timothy,  in  obedience  to  the  instructions  he 
had  received,  hastened  to  join  him  ;  and  upon  his  ar- 
rival, he  informed  St.  Paul,  that  from  the  time  of 
his  departure,  the  Christians  of  Thessalonica  had 
been  cruelly  persecuted  by  their  fellow-citizens.  This 
intelligence  gave  much  concern  to  St.  Paul,  who  at 
first  resolved  to  visit  his  brethren  in  person,  in  order 
to>  administer  comfort  to  them,  and  confirm  them  in 
the  faith  they  had  embraced.  But  declining  this  in- 
tention, he  dispatched  Timothy  to  f(jrtify  their  minds 
against  being  discouraged  by  those  persecutions, 
to  which  he  had  informed  them  the  professors  of  the 
Christian  gospel  would  be  continually  exposed. 

Soon  after  the  departure  of  Timothy,  St.  Paul  pro- 
ceeded  from  Athens  to  the  city  of  Corinth,  where  he 
found  Aquila  and  Priscilla  his  wife,  who  had  been 
banished  from  Rome  by  the  decree  of  Claudius.  We 
have  already  observed,  that  St.  Paul  was  brought  up 
to  tent-making,  at  which  trade  he  now  worked,  in 
conjunction  with  Aquila,  that  he  might  not  be  bur- 
thensome  to  the  new  converts. 

St.  Paul  having  resided  some  time  in  Corinth,  he 
was  joined  by  Silas  and  Timothy,  and  continued  to 
preach  the  gospel  with  great  fervency  of  devotion. 
His  pious  exhortations,  provoked  the  obstinate  Jews 
to  treat  the  name  of  the  holy  Jesus  with  blaspliemous 
indignity;  and  therefore  the  apostle  told  them,  that 
since  they  were  determined  to  render  themselves  the 
objects  of  the  divine  vengeance,  he  would  no  lon- 
ger consider  ihem  as  worthy  his  labors,  but  would 
henceforth  address  himself  to  the  Gentiles.  Repair- 
ing to  the  house  of  Justus,  a  religious  proselyte,  he 
there  by  his  preaching,  and  miracles,  made  a  great 
number  of  converts  ;  and  among  these  v/ere  Crispus 
the  chief  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  together  with  Gains 


324  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL 

and  Stephanas,  all  of  v>'hom  with  their  families  were 
baptized,  and  admitted  into  the  communion  of  the 
Christian  faith. 

Lest  the  ingratitude  and  cruelty  of  the  Jews  should 
discourage  this  able  minister  from  prosecuting  the 
glorious  work  of  proclaiming  the  ways  of  salvation, 
our  blessed  Saviour  appeared  to  him  in  a  vision, 
informing  him,  that  notwithstanding  the  little  success 
which  had  hitherto  attended  his  })reaching,  a  great 
number  of  converts  were  to  be  gained  in  the  place 
where  he  then  resided  ;  and  therefore  our  Lord  ad- 
monished him  not  to  dread  the  power  of  his  enemies, 
but  to  proceed  with  confidence  and  security  in  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  sacred  function  ;  assur- 
ing him,  that  he  should  constantly  be  an  object  of  the 
divine  care  and  protection.  About  this  period,  the 
apostle  appears  to  have  written  his  first  epistle  to  the 
Thessalonians ;  and  before  he  quitted  Corinth,  he 
wrote  his  second  epistle  to  the  same  people. 

Upon  leaving  the  city  of  Corinth,  the  apostle  em- 
barked at  the  port  of  Cenchrea,  and  directed  his  course 
for  Syria,  being  accompanied  by  Aquila  and  Priscil- 
la.  Upon  his  arrival  at  Ephesus,  he  preached  in  the 
synagogue  of  the  Jews,  whom  he  informed,  that  he 
was  going  to  Jerusalem  ;  adding,  that  he  would  re- 
turn to  them  after  the  celebration  of  the  passover. — 
He  sailed  to  Cassarea,  and  from  thence  proceeded  to 
Jerusalem,  whence,  having,  kept  the  passover,  and  en- 
couraged his  Christian  brethren  to  persevere  in  an 
observance  of  the  duties  prescribed  in  the  gospel,  he 
repaired  to  Antioch.  Passing  through  the  countries 
of  Galatia  and  Phrygia,  he  confirmed  the  faith  of  the 
newly-converted  Christians,  and  returned  to  Ephe- 
sus ;  to  which  city  he  was  accompanied  by  Gains  of 
Derbe,  Aristarchus  a  native  of  Thessalonica,  Timo- 
theus  and  Erastus  of  Corinth,  and  Titus. 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUI,.  325 

Immediately  after  his  arrival,  he  enquired  of  cer- 
tain of  his  disciples,  "  Whether  they  had  received 
*'  the  Holy  Ghost  ?"  and  upon  learning  that  they  had 
received  baptism  only  according  to  the  institution  of 
St.  John,  he  caused  them  to  be  baptized  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost : 
and  after  the  apostle  had  prayed,  and  laid  his  hands 
upon  them,  they  received  the  gift  of  tongues,  and 
other   miraculous   powers. 

After  this  he  continued  to  frequent  the  Jewish  sy- 
nagogues, exerting  his  most  earnest  endeavors  to 
convince  the  multitude  of  the  great  truths  of  the 
Christian  religion  :  but  his  doctrine  being  vehement- 
ly opposed  by  the  enemies  of  our  blessed  Redeemer, 
he  declined  visiting  those  public  buildings  dedicated 
to  divine  worship,  but  delivered  his  instructions  in 
the  school  of  a  public  preceptor  named  Tyrannus. 

Thus  did  he  continue  to  preach  the  gospel  for  two 
years,  during  which  space  he  made  a  great  number  of 
of  converts.  But,  that  the  truth  of  the  divinity  of  his 
commission  might  be  confirmed  by  the  most  ample 
and  indisputable  testimony,  the  Almighty  was  pleas- 
ed to  confirm  the  gospel  preached  by  St.  Paul,  by 
miraculous  operations  of  a  peculiar  and  extraordinary 
nature.  He  restored  to  health  all  afflicted  persons, 
who  besought  him  to  relieve  their  sufferings  ;  and  if 
handkerchiefs  or  napkins  were  only  touched  by  him, 
and  applied  to  the  sick,  their  diseases,  whatever  their 
degree  of  malignancy,  were  immediately  removed. 

About  this  time  St.  Paul  wrote  his  epistle  to  the 
Galatians,  among  whom  he  learnt  several  corrupt 
opmionshad  been  propagated,  by  persons  who  treat- 
ed his  person  with  contempt ;  and  to  destroy  the  au- 
thority of  his  gospel,  slighted  him  as  an  apostle  ;  urg- 
ing, that  his  inferiority  would  be  extremely  manifest 


326  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

Upon  comparing  him  with  Peter,  James  and  John, 
who  had  familiarly  conversed  with  Christ  during  his 
residence  upon  earth.  In  this  epistle,  therefore,  he 
vindicates  the  honor  of  the  apostleship ;  asserting, 
that  he  received  his  commission  immediately  from 
Christ,  and  that  he  was  in  no  respect  inferior  to  any 
of  the  apostles.  He  refutes  those  Judaical  opinions 
which  had  infected  the  people,  and  concludes  with 
instructing  them  in  the  necessary  rules  of  a  righteous 
life. 

In  the  city  of  Ephesus  was  a  magnificent,  rich,  and 
beautiful  temple,  dedicated  to  Diana,  whose  image 
stood  in  the  building.  This  figure  was  the  object 
of  public  idolatry  ;  and  the  priests  had  persuaded  the 
people,  that  it  was  the  work  of  the  hands  of  Jupiter 
himself.  Hence  it  was  held  in  high  veneration,  not 
only  in  Ephesus,  but  throughout  Asia.  The  people 
were  accustomed  constantly  to  carry  small  silver  ima- 
ges of  the  temple  in  their  pockets,  as  incentives  to 
their  superstitious  zeal.  Thus  the  manufacturers  of 
silver,  the  principal  of  whom  was  named  Demetrius, 
procured  much  employment.  Perceiving  that  the 
introduction  of  Christianity  would,  by  abolishing 
idolatrous  practices,  prove  exceedingly  injurious  to  a 
lucrative  employment,  Demetrius  summoned  a  meet- 
ing of  the  artists,  whose  business  it  was  to  make 
images  of  the  temple,  and  represented  to  them,  that 
if  Paul  was  permitted  to  pursue  his  endeavors  for 
bringing  the  temple  into  disrepute,  they  must  be  re- 
duced to  a  state  of  poverty,  in  consequence  of  the  ruili 
of  their  business.  This  address  greatly  inflamed  the 
minds  of  the  people,  whom  Demetrius  had  summon- 
ed to  assemble  ;  and  vehemently  exclaiming,  "  Great 
<'  is  Diana  of  the  Ephesians,"  they  resolved  to  effect 
the  destruction  of  St.  Paul. 

Upon  the  celebration  of  public  games,  it  was  usual 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  327 

for  slaves  to  be  exposed  to  the  fury  of  savage  beasts 
for  the  diversion  of  the  public  The  party  formed 
by  Demetrius,  endeavored  to  seize  Paul,  in  order  to 
convey  him  to  the  theatre,  and  there  expose  him  to 
the  wild  beasts.  But  being  disappointed  in  this  de- 
si  j^n,  they  hurried  Gains  and  Aristarchus,  who  were 
followers  of  Paul  and  natives  of  Macedonia,  to  the 
theatre,  intending  that  they  should  be  torn  in  pieces 
and  devoured  by  the  beasts. 

Though  Paul  was  exceedingly  desirous  of  appear- 
ingpublicly  in  the  theatre  in  defence  of  his  friends,  he 
was,  though  with  great  difficulty,  dissuaded  from 
adopting  a  measure,  which  could  not  fail  of  exposing 
him  to  the  most  imminent  danger. 

Gains  and  Aristarchus  being  brought  into  the  the- 
atre, an  amazing  tumult  ensued  ;  and  during  the  con- 
fusion, a  Jew,  named  Alexander,  was  seized  by  the 
multitude,  and  expecting  to  fall  a  victim  to  popular 
rage,  he  prepared  to  make  a  defence.  The  multitude^ 
perceiving  that  he  was  a  Jew,  and  suspecting  that  he 
was  one  of  Paul's  associates,  the  tumult  was  increas- 
ed to  the  most  extravagant  degree,  nothing  being 
heard  for  tlie  space  of  two  hours,  but  the  exclama- 
tion of  *'  Great  is  Diana  of  Ephesus."  In  conse- 
quence of  this  confusion,  the  officer  who  kept  the  re- 
gister of  the  games,  addressed  himself  to  the  multi- 
tude, censuring  their  intemperate  conduct,  and  ap- 
prizing them,  that  they  had  rendered  themselves  ob- 
noxious to  the  effects  of  the  displeasure  of  the  magis- 
tracy. This  discourse  appeased  the  tumult,  and  Gai- 
ns, Aristarchus,  and  Alexander  being  restored  to  li- 
berty, the  people  returned  to  their  respective  habita- 
tions. 

St.  Paul  says,  *'  he  fought  with  beasts  at  Ephe- 
sus."    This  expression  alludes  to  the  design  of  the 


328  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

enraged  muliitude,  of  exposing  him  to  the  fury  of  the 
wild  beasts  in  the  theatre  ;  or  to  the  manners  of  the 
people,  who  sufficiently  merited  to  be  represented  as 
monsters  of  barbarity. 

The  Corinthian  church  being  distracted  by  a  vari- 
ety of  schisms  and  factions,  St.  Paul  wrote  his  first 
epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  with  a  view  of  restoring 
tranquillity,  and  correcting  those  gross  corruptions 
which  prevailed  among  the  Christians.  A  short  time 
afterwards,  Apollos  and  Zenos  having  resolved  to  re- 
pair to  Crete,  St.  Paul  sent  by  them  his  epistle  to  Ti- 
tus, whom  he  had  constituted  bishop  of  that  island. 
In  this  epistle,  he  fully  instructs  Titus  in  the  several 
duties  of  his  holy  office. 

After  residing  almost  three  years  in  the  city  of 
Ephesus,  and  founding  a  considerable  church  there, 
of  which  he  had  ordained  Timothy  the  first  bishop, 
St.  Paul  directed  his  course  about  two  hundred  miles 
to  the  northward,  expecting  to  meet  Timothy  at  Tro- 
as  ;  but  being  disappointed,  he  took  shipping,  and 
pursued  his  journey  to  Macedonia,  where  he  preached 
the  gospel  in  divers  parts,  travelling  as  far  as  Illyri- 
cum,  now  called  Sclavonia. 

During  this  journey,  St.  Paul  encountered  many 
dangers  and  difficulties  ;  but  amidst  his  difficulties, 
the  arrival  of  Titus  affi^rded  a  very  seasonable  relief 
to  his  harrassed  and  almost  exhausted  spirits.  This 
worthy  bishop  brought  with  him  large  contributions 
from  the  Corinthian  church  ;  and  from  the  example 
of  these  liberal  Christians,  St.  Paul  excited  the  Ma- 
cedonians to  an  imitation  of  their  benevolence  ;  his 
design  being  to  render  their  bounty  subservient  to 
the  relief  of  the  distressed  Christians  at  Jerusalem. 

While   Titus   remained  in  Macedonia,    St.  Paul 


THE    LIFE    OF    S  1\    PAUL.  329 

wrote  his  second  epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  and  sent 
it  to  them  by  Titus  and  Luke  :  and  about  the  same 
time,  he  wrote  his  first  epistle  to  Timothy,  whom  he 
had  left  at  Ephesus.  Bft'ore  Paul's  departure  from 
Greece,  he  visited  Corinth,  where  he  wrote  his  cele- 
brated epistle  to  the  Romans,  which  he  sent  to  those 
people  by  Phoebe,  archdcaconess  of  the  church  of 
Cenchrea. 

St.  Paul  now  determined  to  repair  to  Jerusalem,  in 
order  to  distribute  the  contributions  among  the 
Christian  brethren  inhabiting  that  capital.  Having 
commenced  his  journey,  he  received  intelligence, 
that  the  Jews  had  resolved  not  only  to  rob  him,  but 
also  to  put  him  to  death  ;  and  in  consequence  of  this, 
he  hastened  back  into  Macedonia,  and  arriving  at  Phi- 
lippi,  proceeded  from  thence  to  Troas,  where  he  re- 
mained seven  days.  On  the  sabbath,  he  preached 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Troas,  and  continued  his  dis- 
course till  midnight,  proposing  to  depart  early  in  the 
morning.  Towards  the  conclusion  of  this  discourse, 
several  of  his  auditors  were  overtaken  by  sleep;  and 
among  these,  was  a  young  man  named  Eutychus,  who 
fcli  from  the  third  story,  and  was  taken  up  entirely 
(lead  :  but  the  apostle  addressed  himself  to  heaven  in 
behalf  of  the  deceased,  who  was  restored  to  life,  to 
the  infinite  astonishment  of  the  multitude. 

From  Troas  he  travelled  on  foot  to  Assos,  whither 
he  had  before  sent  his  companions  by  sea.  Hence 
they  sailed  to  Mitylene,  a  city  in  the  isle  of  Lesbos. 
The  next  day  they  sailed  to  Chios,  and  on  that  fol- 
lowing, disembarked  at  Trogyllium,  a  promontory  of 
Ionia,  near  Samos.  Arriving  at  Miletos  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  Paul  sent  to  Ephesus,  to  summon  the 
ciders  of  the  church  to  attend  him.  He  reminded 
them  of  the  fidelity  with  which  he  had  discharged 
the  duties  of  his  miinistry,  exhorting  them  steadily 

VOL,     II.  2    s 


330  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    PAUL. 

to  maintain  their  faith  in  the  blessed  and  immaculate 
Jesus,  who  had  yielded  up  his  life  as  a  propitiatory 
sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  mankind.  He  informed  them, 
that  he  was  going  to  Jerusalem,  where  he  was  igno- 
rant of  what  would  befal  him,  excepting  the  events 
predicted  by  those  who  were  endued  with  the  pro- 
phetical gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  said,  he  was 
conscious  that  he  should  sustain  imprisonment  and 
other  afflictions  ;  but  on  the  score  of  his  sufterings,  he 
felt  no  uneasiness,  being  willing  to  yield  up  his  life, 
rather  than  in  any  respect  violate  the  obedience  which 
wasduetohis  great  Lord  and  Master.  Having  con- 
cluded a  pious  and  pathetic  discourse,  St.  Paul  fervent- 
ly addressed  himself  in  prayer  to  heaven,  in  which  he 
was  joined  by  the  whole  multitude,  who  accompanied 
him  to  his  vessel ;  expressing  the  most  poignant  sor- 
row, in  consequence  of  his  having  informed  them 
that  they  would  '' see  his  face  no  more." 

From  Miletos  they  proceeded  to  Coos,  and  from 
thence  to  Rhodes.  From  the  latter  island  they  sailed 
to  Patara,  the  metropolis  of  Lycia,  where  they  em- 
barked on  board  a  ship  bound  for  Phcenicia.  He  re- 
mained a  week  in  Phoenicia,  where  some  of  the 
Christian  brethren  endeavored  to  dissuade  him  from 
going  to  Jerusalem  :  but  no  consideration  of  personal 
saiecy,  could  induce  the  apostle  to  decline  his  resolu- 
tion of  exerting  his  utmost  efforts  for  the  propagation 
of  the  gospel.  Finding  all  their  persuasions  ineffec- 
tual, they  accompanied  Paul  to  the  sea-side,  where  he 
kneeled  and  prayed  with  them  ;  and  after  affection- 
ately embracing  them,  he  embarked  and  sailed  to 
Ptolemais,  from  whence  he  the  next  day  proceeded  to 
Caesarea. 

Agabus  a  Christian  prophet,  came  at  this  time  to 
Caesarea ;  and  taking  Paul's  ji:irdle,  this  man  bound 
his  own  hands  and  feet  with  it ;  by  this  symbol  signify- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  331 

ing,  that  the  Jews  would  bind  Paul,  and  surrender 
him  into  the  power  of  the  Gentiles.  Upon  this  his 
own  companions  joined  the  Christians  of  Ciesarea, 
earnestly  bescechinj^,  that  he  would  not  go  to  Jerusa- 
lem :  but  finding  his  resolution  to  be  immoveable, 
they  declined  further  importunity.  Paul  and  his  com- 
panions proceeded  to  Jerusalem,  where  they  experi- 
enced a  kmd  and  friendly  reception  from  their  Chris- 
tian brethren. 

On  the  day  after  their  arrival,  they  went  to  the  house 
of  St.  James  the  apostle,  where  the  bishops  and  go- 
vernors of  the  church  had  assembled.  He  informed 
the  meeting,  of  the  contributions  he  had  received  for 
the  relief  of  the  distressed  Christian  brethren  ;  and 
particularized  the  success,  with  which  the  Almighty 
l)ad  been  graciously  pleased  to  bless  his  endeavors  for 
propagating  the  gospel ;  and  hereupon  they  joined  in 
thanksgiving  to  God.  They  observed  to  the  apos- 
tle, that  there  were  many  thousands  of  Jewish  con- 
verts in  the  city,  who  were  zealously  attached  to  the 
law  of  Moses  ;  and  that  these  people,  being  informed 
that  he  had  instructed  his  Jewish  converts  to  renounce 
circumcision,  and  the  ceremonies  of  the  law,  would 
upon  receiving  intelligence  of  his  arrival,  immediate- 
ly assemble  to  become  witnesses  of  his  conduct,  ac- 
cording to  which  they  would  regulate  their  future 
proceedings.  Therefore  they  advised  him,  as  the 
most  probable  means  of  preventing  a  popular  tumult, 
to  join  himself  with  four  persons,  who  were  at  that 
time  to  accomplish  a  vow,  and  conform  to  the  cere- 
monies required  by  the  law.  Convinced  of  the  ex- 
pediency of  adopting  this  advice,  St.  Paul  and  the 
four  other  men,  having  purified  themselves,  repaired 
to  the  temple  ;  signifying  to  the  priest,  that  the  time 
of  a  certain  vow  which  they  had  made  being  accom- 
plished, they  were  come  to  make  such  offerings  as 
were  required  by  the  obligation  of  the  law. 


332  THE    LIFE    OF  ST.    PAUL. 

When  Paul  had  been  seven  days  in  Jerusalem, 
wholly  employed  in  distributing  alms,  and  in  making 
the  sacrilices  enjoined  by  the  law,  when  certain  Jews, 
who  had  violently  opposed  his  doctrine  in  Asia,  be- 
ing come  to  Jerusalem  to  -jeiebrate  the  feast  of  Pen- 
tecost, fomented  a  tumult  against  him,  accusing  him 
of  having  advanced  doctrines  destructive  of  the  in- 
stitutions of  the  Jewish  law. 

Hereupon  a  violent  outrage  ensued,  and  the  enrag- 
ed multitude,  forcing  the  apostle  out  of  the  temple, 
beat  him,  and  in  other  respects  behaved  towards  him 
>vith  shocking  barbarity.  These  violent  proceedings 
threatened  an  insurrection  ;  and  therefore  Claudius 
Lysias,  the  Roman  tribune,  who  had  the  command  of 
the  garrison  in  the  castle  Antonio,  led  forth  the  sol- 
diers and  tribunes  to  suppress  the  riot.  The  presence 
of  Lysias  awed  the  multitude,  who  now  discontinu- 
ed their  cruelty  to  Paul ;  and  the  captain  caused  him 
to  be  put  into  chains,  demanding  what  was  the  nature 
of  his  oftence  :  but  no  particular  charge  being  alledg- 
ed  against  him,  he  was  ordered  to  be  taken  into  the 
castle.  In  the  v/ay,  he  requested  permission  to  ad- 
dress himself  to  the  captain  ;  who  hearing  him  speak 
Greek,  asked  if  he  was  not  the  Egyptian  who  had 
some  time  before  excited  an  insurrection  in  the  city. 
Upon  this  he  assured  him,  that  he  was  a  native  of 
Tarsus,  and  had  been  educated  in  the  Jewish  religion  ;. 
adding  that  from  a  mistaken  zeal,  he  had  violently 
persecuted  the  Christians ;  and  particularizing  the 
several  circumstances  of  his  miraculous  conversion, 
and  of  his  subsequent  trance,  during  which,  he  was  in- 
structed to  depart  from  Jerusalem,  and  preach  the 
gospel  in  other  parts. 

Upon  hearing  Paul  mention  that  he  had  received  a 
commission  to  preach  tlic  gospel,  the  fury  of  the  po- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  333 

pulace  became  wholly  ungovernable,  and  they  united 
in  insisting  that  he  should  be  instantly  put  to  death. 

The  captain  of  the  guard  commanded  Paul  to  be 
brought  within  the  temple,  and  to  be  scourged,  till  he 
should  acknowledge  the  cause  of  that  extraordinary 
aversion  which  the  Jews  had  expressed  against  him  ; 
he  was  bound,  and  other  preparations  were  making 
for  executing  this  sentence,  when  the  apostle  demand- 
ed  of  one  of  the  centurions,  whether  it  was  lawful  to 
scourge  a  citizen  of  Rome  who  had  not  been  tried, 
and  consequently  against  whom  no  formal  sentence 
had  been  pronounced.  The  centurion  immediately 
hastened  to  Lysias,  informing  him,  that  the  prisoner 
was  a  Roman,  and  therefore  advising  him  to  proceed 
with  caution.  Upon  this  the  governor  came  to  the 
prison,  and  being  informed  by  Paul,  that  he  was  born 
a  free  citizen  of  Rome,  he  reversed  the  order  for  sub- 
jecting him  to  the  disgraceful  punishment  of  scourg- 
ing, and  was  greatly  terrified  upon  reflecting,  that  he 
might  be  called  to  a  severe  account  for  having  confin- 
ed him  in  chains. 

On  the  following  day,  he  ordered  Paul  to  be  releas- 
ed from  his  chains  ;  and  that  the  cause  of  the  tumult 
might  be  discovered,  he  summoned  the  Sanhedrim 
to  assemble,  and  conducted  the  apostle  before  them. 
The  apostle  informed  the  council,  that  throughout 
his  whole  life,  he  had  conducted  himself  by  the  strict- 
est rules  of  conscience  and  duty^  "  Men  and  brethren, 
"  I  have  lived  in  all  good  conscience  before  God,  un- 
•*  til  this  day."  This  expression  greatly  exasperated 
the  high-priest,  who  ordered  some  persons  that  stood 
near  the  apostle,  to  strike  him  on  the  face.  Upon 
this,  the  apostle  said  to  Ananias,  '*  God  shall  smite 
**  thee,  thou  whited  wall.*'  Hereupon  some  of  the 
spectators  observed,  that  it  was  unlawful  to  revile  the 
high-priest  of   the  Almighty  :    and  this  reproof  the 


334  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

apostle  received  with  great  gentleness,  excusing  his 
inadvertency,  and  acknowledging  that  God  himself 
had  said,  "  Thou  shalt  not  speak  evil  of  the  ruler  of 
"  the  people."  Perceiving  that  the  council  consisted 
both  of  Pharisees  and  Sadducees,  he  loudly  proclaim- 
ed, "  Men  and  brethren,  I  am  a  Pharisee,  the  Son  of 
**  a  Pharisee  ;"  adding  that  he  was  brought  before 
the  tribunal,  to  answer  for  having  asserted  the  doc- 
trine of  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 

The  Pharisees  favored  the  doctrine  of  the  resurec- 
tion,  which  was  strenuously  opposed  by  the  Saddu- 
cees ;  and  therefore  the  declaration  of  St.  Paul,  created 
much  confusion  in  the  court.  The  dissentions  of 
these  two  sects  increased  to  so  extravagant  a  degree, 
that  the  captain  feared  Paul  would  be  torn  in  pie- 
ces, and  therefore  he  conveyed  him  back  to  the  cas- 
tle. 

During  the  silence  of  night,  St.  Paul  was  com- 
forted  and  encouraged  by  extraordinary  communica- 
tions of  the  divine  Spirit,  animating  him  to  maintain 
his  constancy  and  resolution  ;  assuring  him,  that  in 
despite  of  the  malicious  designs  of  his  enemies,  he 
should  live  to  bear  testimony  in  support  of  the  gos- 
pel, even  in  the  capital  of  the  Roman  empire. 

On  the  following  morning,  about  forty  of  the  most 
turbulent  Jews,  engaged  in  a  confederacy  for  the  pur- 
pose of  sacrificing  the  life  of  Paul ;  ratifying  their 
agreement  by  a  solemn  oath,  and  vowing  with  shock- 
ing imprecations,  that  they  would  neither  eat  nor 
drink  till  they  had  perpetrated  their  barbarous  de- 
sign. 

This  iniquitous  project  was  divulged  to  Paul  by  his 
sister's  son,  who  also  at  the  request  of  the  apostle, 
communicated  it  to  Lysias  ;  who  in  consequence  of 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST,    PAUL.  335 

this  information,  commanded  a  party  of  horse  and  foot 
soldiers  to  be  in  readiness  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, to  conduct  St.  Paul  before  Felix,  the  Roman  go- 
vernor of  the  province  ;  to  whom  he  also  transmitted 
a  narrative  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Jews  against  the 
prisoner,  at  the  same  time  commanding  his  accusers 
to  appear  before  the  Roman  magistrate.  St,  Paul 
was  accordingly  conducted  to  Caesarea  ;  and  Felix 
informed  him,  that  his  cause  should  be  decided  im- 
mediately after  the  arrival  of  his  accusers  ;  ordering 
him,  in  the  mean  time  to  be  secured  in  the  place  cal- 
led Herod's  Hall. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  Paul,  a  charge  of  sedition, 
heresy,  and  profanation  of  the  temple,  was  exhibited 
against  him  by  Tertullus.  Having  heard  the  accu- 
sation and  the  apostle's  defence,  Felix  declined  pro- 
nouncing judgment,  saying,  he  would  consult  Lysias, 
the  governor  of  the  castle  ;  who,  he  said,  could  not 
but  be  qualified  to  relate  the  particulars  of  the  tumult 
and  sedition.  He  ordered  Paul  to  remain  a  prisoner, 
indulging  him,  however,  in  the  privilege  of  being  vi- 
sited by  his  friends. 

A  short  time  after  this,  Drusilla,  a  Jewess,  the  wife 
of  Felix,  and  daughter  of  the  elder  Herod,  came  to 
Caesarea  ;  and  sending  for  Paul,  the  governor  per- 
mitted him  to  explain  the  principles  of  the  Christian 
doctrine  in  presence  of  his  wife.  Hereupon  Paul  de- 
livered a  pious,  affecting,  and  persuasive  discourse ; 
and  when  he  came  to  a  description  of  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, Felix  trembled  on  his  throne;  and  abruptly 
interrupting  the  apostle,  said,  he  would  hear  the  con- 
chision  of  his  discourse  on  a  future  opportunity.—- 
U'he  conscience  of  Felix  was  dreadfully  alarmed  ;  for 
he  was  cruel,  unjust,  revengeful  and  rapacious.  He 
was  informed,  that  Paul  had  possession  of  a  consi- 
derable sum  of  money,  and  therefore  he  expected  that 


336  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

he  would  purchase  his  freedom  with  a  considerable 
bribe  :  but  being  disappointed,  he  kept  the  apostle  in 
prison  for  the  space  of  two  years. 

Felix,  being  succeeded  in  office  by  Fortius  Festus, 
suffered  Paul  to  remain  in  prison,  in  order  to  gratify 
the  malice  of  the  Jews,  and  induce  them  to  speak  fa- 
vorably of  his  government,  after  his  departure  from 
Judea. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  Festus  in  Jerusalem,  the  high- 
priest  and  the  members  of  the  Sanhedrim,  brought  ar 
indictment  against  Paul,  requesting  that  he  might  be 
sent  for  to  Jerusalem,  in  order  to  take  his  trial,  their 
design  being  to  assassinate  him  on  the  way.  But 
Festus  informed  them,  that  he  meant  in  a  short  time 
to  go  to  Caesarea,  where  they  might  exhibit  their  ac- 
cusations against  him. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  Felix  at  Caesarea,  the  Jews  re- 
newed their  accusations  against  Paul ;  but  notwith- 
standing all  their  wicked  and  malicious  artifices,  they 
were  unable  to  prove  him  guilty  of  any  crime.  Festus, 
however,  being  desirous  of  ingratiating  the  favor  of 
the  Jews,  asked  Paul,  whether  he  was  willing  to  go 
to  Jerusalem,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  his  trial ; 
and  to  this  the  apostle  answered,  "  I  appeal  unto  Cae- 
sar." 

Some  time  after  this  appeal,  king  Agrippa,  who 
succeeded  his  father  Herod  in  the  teirarchate  of  Gali- 
lee, and  his  sister  Berenice,  came  to  congratulate  Fes- 
tus on  his  accession  to  the  government.  The  apostle 
being  brought  into  court,  where  Agrippa,  Berenice, 
and  a  splendid  retinue  had  assembled,  Festus  said, 
that  in  consequence  of  his  having  appealed  to  Caesar, 
he  had  resolved  to  send  the  prisoner  to  Rome  :  but 
was  notwithstanding  desirous,  that  his  case  should  be 


THE    LIFE    Oh    ST.    PAUL.  337 

debated  before  kin.^  Agrippa,  that  some  particulars 
might  be  collected,  for  the  purpose  of  grounding  a 
criminal  charge. 

Being  informed  by  Agrippa,  that  he  was  at  liberty 
to  make  his  defence,  the  apostle  related,  with  what  un- 
relenting cruelty  he  had  persecuted  the  Christians, 
and  particularized  the  circumstances  of  his  wonder- 
ful conversion.  While  the  apostle  was  pleading  in 
his  own  defence,  he  was  interrupted  by  Festus,  who 
accused  him  of  insanity  :  but  the  apostle  denied  this 
charge,  saying,  that  his  judgment  was  unimpaired, 
and  that  he  spoke  the  dictates  of  truth.  So  eloquent 
and  persuasive  was  the  discourse  of  St.  Paul,  that 
Agrippa  acknowledged  to  him,  that  he  had  almost 
prevailed  upon  him  the  embrace  the  Christian  faith. 

It  was  at  length  resolved  that  Paul  should  be  sent 
to  Rome,  and  be  committed  to  the  care  of  Julius,  com- 
mander of  a  company  belonging  to  the  legion  of  Au- 
gustus ;  and  he  was  accompanied  by  St.  Luke,  Aris- 
tarchus,  Trophimus,  and  some  others.  Embarking 
at  Adramyttium,  after  a  dangerous  voyage,  they  were 
cast  on  the  coast  of  the  island  of  Melita,  or  Malta, 
where  they  landed,  and  experienced  a  friendly  recep- 
tion from  the  inhabitants.  While  St.  Paul  was  put- 
ting some  sticks  upon  a  fire  round  which  a  number 
of  people  had  assembled,  a  viper  came  from  among 
the  wood,  and  fastened  on  his  hand.  Hereupon  the 
people  imagined  that  he  was  some  notorious  offender, 
who  had  been  rescued  from  the  dangers  of  the  tem- 
pest, that  he  might  be  thus  exposed  as  an  exemplary 
object  of  the  divine  vengeance  :  but  upon  seeing  him 
shake  the  venemous  animal  into  the  fire  they  chang- 
ed their  opinion,  and  proclaimed  him  to  be  a  god. 

After  remaining  three  months  in  this  island,  they 
took  shipping  in  a  vessel  called  the  Castor  and  Pol- 

VOL.     II.  2     T 


338  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL. 

lux,  and  landed  at  Puteoli.  The  Christian  inhabitants 
of  the  city  of  Rome,  being  apprized  of  the  approach 
of  St.  Paul,  great  numbers  of  them  went  to  meet  and 
pay  their  respects  to  him  ;  some  travelling  to  a  place 
called  the  Three  Taverns,  about  thirty  miles  from 
Rome,  and  others  as  far  as  the  Apii-forum,  situated 
at  the  distance  of  fifty-one  miles  from  the  capital. 

Upon  his  arrival  in  the  city  of  Rome,  St.  Paul  sent 
for  the  heads  of  the  Jewish  consistosy,  and  informed 
them,  ihat  the  malice  of  his  enemies  had  compelled 
him  to  appeal  to  Caesar,  as  the  only  means  of  rescuing 
himself  from  an  injurious  and  cruel  imputation.  Paul 
resided  two  years  in  Rome,  constantly  exerting  his 
best  endeavors,  both  by  preaching  and  writing,  for 
the  promotion  of  Christianity.  Among  those  whom 
the  apostle  converted,  was  a  man  named  Onesimus, 
who  had  absconded  from  his  master  with  effects  to  a 
considerable  amount.  After  the  conversion  of  this 
man,  St.  Paul  sent  him  back  to  his  master,  with  a 
letter,  enjoining  him  to  pardon  this  reclaimed  sinner, 
and  treat  him  with  kindness. 

Being  informed  of  the  imprisonment  of  St.  Paul, 
the  Christians  of  Philippi  made  a  contribution  for  his 
relief,  and  sent  the  money  by  Epaphroditus  their  bi- 
shop, by  whom  the  apostle  sent  back  an  epistle,  in- 
structing them  in  the  rules  of  religious  and  moral  du- 
ty. Availing  himself  of  the  opportunity  of  the  de- 
parture of  Tychicus,  St.  Paul  sent  by  him  his  epistle 
to  the  Ephe'sians  ;  and  about  this  time  he  wrote  his 
epistle  to  the  Colossians.  By  what  means  St.  Paul 
obtained  his  freedom,  is  a  matter  of  uncertainty  ;  but 
before  his  departure  from  Italy,  he  wrote  his  epistle 
to  the  Hebrews. 

Accompanied  by  Timothy,  St.  Paul  now  travelled 
into  Spain  ;  and,  according  to  the  testimony  of  seve- 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    PAUL.  33.9 

ral  respectable  writers,  he  crossed  the  sea,  and  preach- 
ed the  gospel  in  Britain.  After  remaining  eight  or  nine 
months  in  these  western  parts,  St.  Paul  returned  to 
the  east  ;  and  after  visiting  Sicily,  Greece  and  Crete, 
he  repaired  to  Judea,  where  he  met  with  Peter,  and 
was  together  with  that  apostle  cast  into  prison,  in 
the  general  persecution  of  the  Christians,  on  pre- 
tence of  their  having  set  fire  to  the  city.  How  long 
he  remained  in  confinement,  and  whether  he  was 
scourged  previous  to  his  execution,  we  are  not  in- 
formed. But  pleading  the  privilege  of  a  Roman  citi- 
zen, he  was  sentenced  to  be  beheaded. 

St.  Paul  suffered  at  the  Aquae  Salvias,  three  miles 
from  Rome,  and  was  buried  in  the  Via  Ostiensis,  about 
two  miles  from  the  capital.  About  the  year  317,  Con- 
stantine  the  Great,  at  the  instance  of  Pope  Sylvester, 
erected  a  superb  church  upon  the  spot  where  the  re- 
mains of  this  apostle  were  deposited. 


(     340     ) 


The  life  of  St.  ANDREW. 


St, 


".  Andrew  was  a  native  of  Bethsaida,  a  city  in 
Galilee,  son  of  John  or  Jonas,  a  fisherman,  and  brother 
of  Simon  Peter,  but  whether  older  or  younger  is  un- 
certain ;  though  it  is  most  generally  intimated  by  the 
ancients,  that  he  was  the  younger.  He  was  brought 
up  to  his  father's  profession,  at  which  he  continued 
to  labor  till  our  blessed"  Saviour  elected  him  into  the 
apostolical  office.  Andrew  was  one  of  the  disciples 
of  John  the  Baptist,  who,  when  Christ  appeared  in 
the  country  beyond  the  Jordan,  pointed  out  the  Sa- 
viour of  mankind,  stiling  him  "  the  Lamb  of  God  ;" 
and  following  him  to  his  place  of  abode,  Andrew  con- 
versed with  Jesus,  to  whom  he  shortly  after  introduc- 
ed his  brother  Simon.  After  remaining  a  short  time 
with  our  blessed  Redeemer,  they  returned  to  their 
usual  occupation. 

Something  more  than  a  year  after  this,  our  Saviour 
perceived  Andrew  and  Peter  fishing  in  the  sea  of  Ga- 
lilee, and  by  his  divine  power  he  enabled  them  to  ob- 
tain a  miraculous  draught  of  fishes ;  after  which  he 
commanded  them  to  follow  him. 

After  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  St.  Andrew 
is  recorded  by  the  generality  of  ancient  writers  to 
have  been  chosen  to  proclaim  the  gospel  in  Scythia, 
and  the  adjacent  countries  ;  and  this  office  he  execut- 
ed with  great  success,  though  he  was  furiously  op- 
posed  by  the  malicious  Jews. 

In  the  city  of  Sinopc,  situated  in  the  Euxine  Sea, 
St.  Andrew  met  his  brother  Peter,  who  remained 
there  with  him  a  considerable  time.    The  inhabitants 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    ANDEW.  341 

of  Slnop'e  engaged  in  a  confederacy  against  Andrew, 
and  determined  to  burn  the  house  where  he  resided  ; 
but  being  disappointed  in  this,  they  beat  him  with 
clubs,  cast  stones  at  him,  and  otherwise  treated  him 
with  the  most  savage  barbarity,  till  they  supposed 
that  they  had  entirely  deprived  him  of  life.  But  he 
recovered,  and  returned  publicly  into  the  city,  and 
reclaimed  a  great  number  of  the  Jews  to  the  religion 
of  the  blessed  Jesus. 

From  Sinope  St  Andrew  returned  to  Jerusalem,  but 
he  remained  only  a  short  time  in  this  city.  He  tra- 
velled over  Thrace,  Macedonia,  Thessaly,  Achaia, 
and  Epirus,  zealously  preaching  the  religion  of  Christ, 
and  confirming  his  doctrine  by  miracles  and  wonder- 
ful signs.  At  length  he  arrived  at  Patrea,  a  city  of 
Achaia,  where  he  surrendered  up  his  life  upon  the 
cross,  thereby  affording  his  greatest  testimony  in  de» 
fence  of  the  religion  of  his  divine  Master. 

iiigenas,  the  proconsul  of  Achaia,  came  at  this  time 
to  Patrea,  and  had  recourse  to  every  method  of  force 
and  persuasion,  for  reducing  the  people  to  their  former 
idolatrous  mode  of  worship.  But  the  apostle  still 
persevered  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  mi- 
nistry, and  even  ventured  to  expostulate  with  the  pro- 
consul ;  who  being  highly  exasperated  against  him, 
sentenced  him  first  to  be  scourged,  and  then  to  be  put 
to  death. 

Seven  lictors  successively  scourged  the  body  of 
St.  Andrew,  whose  constancy,  patience  and  fortitude 
under  his  sufferings,  so  provoked  iEgenas,  that  he 
ordered  him  to  be  crucified  ;  and  that  his  sufferings 
might  be  of  longer  continuance,  he  commanded  him 
to  be  fastened  to  the  cross  by  means  of  ropes  instead  of 
nails.  Upon  his  arrival  at  the  place  of  execution,  the 
apostle  fervently  addressed  himself  in  prayer  to  the 


342  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    ANDREW. 

throne  of^race,  and  exhorted  the  people  to  persevere 
in  the  faith  which  he  had  recommended  to  them.  Be- 
ing fastened  to  the  cross,  he  remained  in  that  situation 
two  whole  days  ;  during  which,  he  continued  to  in- 
struct the  people  in  the  principles  of  the  gospel. — 
At  length  he  supplicated  the  Almighty,  that  he  might 
seal  the  truth  of  his  religion  with  his  blood.  His 
prayers  were  heard,  and  he  immediately  expired. — 
The  death  of  this  faithful  minister  of  Christ  happened 
on  the  last  day  of  November ;  but  in  what  year,  can- 
not be  precisely  ascertained. 

The  body  of  St.  Andrew  was  honorably  interred 
by  Maximillia,  a  lady  of  distinction,  and  who,  ac- 
cording to  Nicephorus,  was  wife  to  the  proconsul. — 
Constantine  the  Great  removed  the  body  of  St.  An- 
drew to  Constantinople,  and  deposited  it  in  the  su- 
perb church  which  he  had  erected  in  honor  of  the 
apostles.  When  this  church  was  taken  down  by  the 
order  of  the  emperor  Justinian,  in  order  to  its  being 
rebuilt,  the  body  of  St.  Andrew  was  found  in  a  wood- 
en coffin,  and  again  deposited  in  the  proper  place. 


(     343     ) 


The  life  of  St.  JAMES  the  GREAT. 


IN  order  to  distinguish  him  from  another  of  the 
same  name,  this  apostle  was  called  James  the  Great. 
He  was  the  son  ofZebedee,  and  by  trade  a  fisherman  ; 
in  which  occupation  both  he  and  his  brother  were 
employed,  when  the  Saviour  of  the  world  called  them 
to  be  his  disciples.  Soon  after  this,  he  was  exalted 
from  the  station  of  an  ordinary  disciple,  to  the  exer- 
cise of  the  apostolical  duties.  He  was  also  honored 
with  some  peculiar  instances  of  the  favor  of  Jesus 
Christ,  being  one  of  the  three  chosen  to  attend  his 
master,  when  he  restored  the  daughter  of  Jairus  to 
life  ;  he  was  also  permitted  to  be  present  on  occasion 
of  the  glorious  transfiguration,  and  of  the  agony  of 
Christ.  Upon  the  calling  of  the  three  select  apostles, 
our  Lord  gave  them  each  a  new  title  ;  calling  Simon 
by  the  name  of  Peter,  or  a  rock,  and  James  and  John, 
who  were  brothers,  Boanerges,  or  the  sons  of  thun- 
der. 

Some  imagine,  that  this  appellation  was  given  them 
on  account  of  the  bold  and  vehement  manner  in  which 
they  would  proclaim  the  gospel ;  and  others  are  of 
opinion,  that  the  name  was  meant  to  signify  that  they 
would  proclaim  the  great  mysteries  of  the  gospel  in  a 
more  profound  and  lofty  strain  than  the  other  apos- 
tles. However  this  may  be,  by  this  term  our  Lord 
seems  to  allude  to  the  resolute  disposition  of  the  bro- 
thers,  who  were  of  a  more  fiery  temper  than  the  rest 
of  the  apostles.  When  our  Saviour  sent  some  of  his 
disciples  to  make  preparations  for  his  reception  at  Je- 
rusalem, upon  the  arrival  of  these  disciples  in  Samaria, 
they  were  treated  with  great  severity  by  the  inhabi- 
tants.    This  was  so  highly   resented  by  James  and 


344       THE   LIFE  OF  ST.  JAMES  THE  GREAT. 

his  brother,  that  they  applied  to  Jesus,  desiring  to 
know,  whether  he  would  not  imitate  the  conduct  of 
Eiias,  by  calling  down  fire  from  heaven  to  consume 
these  inhospitable  and  degenerate  people.  But  the 
holy  Jesus  informed  them,  that  he  came  not  to  destroy, 
but  to  effect  the  salvation  of  mankind. 

According  to  Sophronius,  St.  James  preached  to 
the  dispersed  Jews,  after  the  ascension  of  our  blessed 
Saviour.  Herod  inflamed  a  violent  persecution  of 
the  Christians,  and  during  the  continuance  thereof,  he 
pronounced  sentence  of  death  upon  St.  James. 

As  the  apostle  was  conducting  to  the  place  of  exe- 
cution, the  man  who  had  given  evidence  against  him, 
being  converted  by  the  remarkable  courage  and  con- 
stancy which  he  displayed  during  his  trial,  prostrat- 
ed himself  at  the  feet  of  the  apostle,  and  supplicat- 
ed forgivness  for  the  accusation  he  had  exhibit- 
ed against  him.  The  apostle  tenderly  embraced  the 
man,  saying,  "  Peace,  my  son,  peace  be  to  thee,  and 
"  the  pardon  of  thy  faults.'*  These  words  were  no 
sooner  pronounced,  than  the  convert  publicly  pro- 
claimed himself  to  be  a  Christain,  and  St.  James  and 
this  man  were  beheaded  at  the  same  time.  Thus  fell 
the  apostle  St.  James,  the  first  proto-martyr,  by  cheer- 
fully drinking  of  that  cup,  of  which  he  had  long  be- 
fore  assured  his  Saviour  that  he  was  willing  to  par- 
take. 


(     345    ) 


The  life  of  St.  JOHN  the  EVAN- 
GELIST. 

J  HIS  evangelist,  of  whose  descent  we  have  alrea- 
dy given  an  account,  was  probably  a  follower  of  John 
the  Baptist;  and  upon  hearing  him  pronounce  Jesus 
to  be  the  "  Lamb  of  God,"  he  followed  the  Saviour 
of  the  world  to  the  place  of  his  abode.  He  was  the 
youngest  of  the  apostles  :  but  yet  he  was  peculiarly 
honored  by  his  divine  Master,  being  present  at  the 
resurrection  of  the  daughter  of  Jairus,  the  transfigu- 
ration of  our  Saviour,  and  the  agony  he  endured  in 
the  garden. 

When  our  Saviour  was  apprehended  in  the  garden 
of  Gethsemane,  he  was  deserted  by  St.  John ;  who, 
however  soon  repented  of  his  pusillanimity,  and  go- 
ing in  search  of  Jesus,  entered  the  hall  of  the  high- 
priest  ;  and  from  this  time  he  steadily  adhered  to  him, 
and  attending  him  at  the  time  of  his  crucifixion,  re- 
solutely avowed  his  faith,  amidst  a  numerous  body  of 
armed  soldiers,  and  an  immense  concourse  of  their 
most  inveterate  enemies.  With  his  dying  breath,  our 
Saviour  recommended  his  disconsolate  mother  to  the 
protection  of  St.  John. 

St.  John  resided  principally  in  Jerusalem  till  the 
decease  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  which  happened  about 
ten  years  after  our  Saviour's  ascension.  After  this 
event,  he  retired  into  Asia,  and  applied  himself  with 
unremitting  assiduity  to  the  propagation  of  the  Chris- 
tian relii^ion.  He  founded  churches  at  Smyrna,  Per- 
gamus,  Thyatira,  Sardis,  Philadelphia,  Laodicea,  and 
many  other  places  ;  but  he  most  generally  resided 
at  Ephesus,  where  St.  Paul   had  many  years  before 

VOL.     II.  2    u 


346    THE  LIFE  OF  ST,  JOHN  THE  EVAN. 

established  a  church.  After  residing  several  years 
at  Ephesus,  St.  John  was  accused  before  the  emperor 
Domitian,  of  being  a  public  subverter  of  the  establish- 
ed religion  of  the  empire.  Being  conveyed  in  chains 
to  Rome,  by  the  decree  of  this  barbarous  prince,  St. 
John  was  thrown  into  a  cauldron  of  boilinsr  oil  :  but 
the  Almighty  was  graciously  pleased  to  rescue  him, 
from  this  apparently  unavoidable  destruction.  This 
miraculous  deliverance,  however,  was  not  sufficient 
to  convince  the  emperor  of  the  divinity  of  the  com- 
mission  of  John,  or  to  abate  the  furious  enmity  he 
had  conceived  against  him.  He  condemned  John  to 
banishment  in  the  island  of  Patmos,  situated  in  the 
Archipelago,  where  he  resided  several  years,  diligent- 
ly employed  in  teaching  the  poor  and  ignorant  mha- 
bitants  the  principles  of  the  gospel ;  and  towards  the 
conclusion  of  the  reign  of  Domitian,  he  wrote  his  book 
of  Revelation. 

Upon  the  decease  of  Nero,  and  the  succession  of 
Nerva,  John  returned  into  Asia,  and  established  his 
residence  at  Ephesus,  where  the  people  had  lately 
subjected  Timothy  their  bishop  to  martyrdom.  In 
conjunction  with  seven  other  bishops,  he  now  assum- 
ed the  government  of  the  extensive  diocese  of  Asia 
Minor,  and  disposed  of  the  clergy  in  the  most  advan- 
tageous manner  that  the  circumstances  of  the  times 
would  admit.  With  unceasing  industry,  St.  John 
continued  to  cultivate  the  Christian  religion,  till  death 
put  a  period  to  all  his  toils  and  sufferings.  St.  John 
died  in  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Trajan,  being 
then  in  the  ninety-eighth  year  of  his  age  ;  and  accord- 
ing to  Eusebius,  he  was  buried  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Ephesus. 


(     347     ) 


The  life  of  St.  PHILIP. 


St. 


'.  Philip  had  the  distinguished  honor  of  being- 
first  called  to  be  a  disciple  of  the  blessed  Jesus ;  he 
was  a  native  of  Bethsaida,  "  the  city  of  Andrew  and 
*'  Peter."  Soon  after  our  Saviour's  temptation  in  the 
wilderness,  he  met  Andrew  and  his  brother  Peter, 
and  after  some  discourse,  parted  from  them.  On  the 
following  day,  as  he  was  passing  through  Galilee,  he 
met  with  Philip,  whom  he  commanded  to  follow  him, 
that  being  the  mode  he  constantly  adopted  in  calling 
his  disciples.  Though  the  brethren  above-mentioned 
first  conversed  with  the  Saviour  of  the  world,  they 
immediately  returned  to  their  usual  occupation,  and 
were  not  called  to  be  disciples  till  a  year  after.  Im- 
mediately after  being  appointed  to  attend  our  Saviour, 
Philip  communicated  the  glad  tidings  of  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Messiah,  to  his  brother  Nathaniel,  whom 
he  also  introduced  to  our  Saviour. 

When  our  Lord  was  fortifying  the  minds  of  his 
disciples  against  his  departure,  he  informed  them, 
that  he  was  going  to  make  preparations  for  their  re- 
ception in  the  mansions  of  the  heavenly  Canaan  ;  say- 
ing at  the  same  time,  that  he  was  ''  the  way,  the 
"  truth,  and  the  life  ;"  that  "  no  man  could  come  to 
*'  the  Father,  but  by  him  ;  and  that  knowing  him, 
"  they  both  knew,  and  had  seen  the  Father."  Not 
understanding  these  words,  Philip  requested,  that  Je- 
sus would  shew  him  and  his  brethren  the  Father.— 
Hereupon  our  Lord  mildly  rebuked  him  for  his  ignor- 
ance in  not  knowing,  after  the  information  he  had  re- 
ceived, that  he  was  himself  the  image  of  his  Father, 
by  whose  divine  pleasure  all  his  actions  were  regu- 
lated. 


348  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.     PHILIP. 

We  are  informed  by  ancient  writers,  that  in  the  dis- 
tribution made  by  the  apostles  of  the  several  regions 
of  the  globe,  where  they  were  respectively  to  propa- 
gate the  gospel,  the  Upper  Asia  fell  to  the  lot  of  St. 
Philip  ;  and  in  that  country,  he  discharged  the  duties 
of  his  ministry  with  remarkable  industry,  and  corres- 
pondent success.  He  established  divers  churches, 
and  confirmed  the  faith  of  those  whom  he  converted 
by  a  great  variety  of  miracles. 

Upon  his  arrival  at  Hierapolis  in  Phrygia,  St.  Phi- 
lip was  greatly  afflicted,  upon  finding  the  people  most 
abominably  addicted  to  idolatrous  practices.  The 
principal  object  of  the  worship  of  these  superstitious 
people,  was  an  enormous  serpent ;  and  by  his  fervent 
and  continued  prayers  to  heaven,  he  procured  the 
death  of  this  idol,  or,  at  least,  caused  it  to  be  remov- 
ed from  the  temple,  and  the  adoration  that  had  been 
long  paid  to  it,  consequently  to  be  discontinued. — 
Having  thus  destroyed  their  deity,  he  explained  to 
the  multitude  the  great  mysteries  of  the  gospel  dis- 
pensation ;  and  this  discourse  prevailed  upon  great 
numbers  of  the  people  to  embrace  the  gospel  of  Je- 
sus. But  the  magistrates  of  the  city,  being  highly 
exasperated  against  Philip,  on  account  of  the  great 
number  of  people  whom  he  daily  converted  from  the 
practice  of  idolatrous  worship,  they  seized  him,  and 
caused  him  to  be  scourged.  After  this,  he  was  led 
to  execution  ;  and,  according  to  some  writers,  hang- 
ed against  a  pillar,  or,  as  others  assert,  crucified.  The 
bo(l>  of  this  apostle  was  taken  down  by  St.  Bartho- 
lomew, his  fellow-laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  Christ, 
and  Mariamne,  St.  Philip's  sister,  who  caused  it  to 
be  buried  with  the  usual  solemnities. 


(     349    ) 


The  life  of  St.  BARTHOLOMEW. 


1  HIS  apostle  is  mentioned  as  one  of  the  twelve 
disciples  of  Christ,  under  the  name  of  Bartholomew  ; 
but  it  is  evident  from  many  passages  of  scripture, 
that  he  was  also  called  Nathaniel  ,  and  St.  John  ex- 
pressly says,  that  he  was  a  native  of  Cana  in  Gali- 
lee. 

Upon  being  informed  by  Philip  that  he  had  seen 
the  long  expected  Messiah,  whose  appearance  had 
been  so  frequently  predicted  by  Moses  and  the  other 
prophets,  Bartholomew  said,  that  the  Messiah  could 
not  be  a  native  of  Nazareth,  as  Philip  had  described  : 
but  in  reply  Philip  requested,  that  he  would  accom- 
pany him  to  Jesus,  and  receive  satisfaction  of  the  truth 
of  what  he  had  asserted. 

Upon  his  approaching,  he  was  saluted  with  the 
honorable  character  of  being  "■  an  Israelite  in  whom 
"  was  no  guile."  This  salutation  greatly  surprized 
him,  as  he  supposed  himself  to  be  an  entire  stranger 
to  him  :  but  our  Lord  informed  him,  that  he  had  seen 
him  while  he  remained  under  a  fig-tree  at  some  dis- 
tance, before  being  called  by  Philip.  Thus  convinced, 
he  acknowledged  Jesus  to  be  the  promised  Messiah, 
and  the  only  Son  of  God.  Hereupon  our  Saviour  said, 
that  since  from  the  above  instance  he  believed  him  to 
be  the  Messiah,  he  should  in  future  receive  more  pow- 
erful testimonies  in  confirmation  of  his  faith  ;  for  he 
should  behold  the  heavens  open  to  receive  him,  and 
the  celestial  hosts  of  immortal  spirits  attending  his 
triumphant  entry  into  the  blessed  regions  of  his  hea- 
venly Father. 


350        THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    BARTHOLOMEW. 

After  the  ascension  of  the  holy  Jesus,  St.  Bartho- 
lomew travelled  to  different  parts,  for  the  purpose  of 
promulgating  the  gospel  ;  and  in  the  pursuit  of  this 
righteous  occupation,  he  passed  the  Asiatic  confines 
of  India.  After  residing  a  considerable  time  in  India 
and  the  eastern  extremities  of  Asia,  he  returned  to 
the  northern  and  western  parts  ;  and  in  conjunction 
with  St.  Philip,  he  exerted  his  most  strenuous  endea- 
vors for  reclaiming  the  inhabitants  of  Hierapolis  in 
Phrygia,  and  the  neighboring  parts  from  their  idola- 
trous worship,  and  for  instructing  them  in  the  infidlible 
means  of  eternal  salvation.  The  preaching  of  these 
apostles  so  exasperated  the  bigotted  magistrates,  that 
they  condemned  them  to  sulRr  martyrdom  ;  but  this 
sentence  was  reversed,  and  they  were  restored  to  li- 
berty. 

From  hence  St.  Bartholomew  proceeded  to  Lyco- 
nia,  where,  as  we  are  assured  by  St.  Chrysostom,  he 
preached  the  gospel  with  great  success.  At  length 
he  retired  to  Albanople  in  Great  Armenia,  where  ido- 
latrous worship  was  universally  practised  ;  and  here 
he  zealously  endeavored  to  reclaim  the  misguided  in- 
habitants. But  the  pious  efforts  of  this  apostle,  to 
"  turn  them  from  darkness  unto  light,  and  from  the 
"  power  of  Satan  unto  God,"  were  so  far  from  prov- 
ing effectual,  that  they  rendered  him  obnoxious  to  the 
most  violent  effects  of  the  indignation  of  the  magis- 
trates, who  prevailed  upon  the  governor  to  condemn 
him  to  suffer  death ;  and  he  was  accordingly  cruci- 
fied. 


(      '351     ) 


The  life  of  St.  MATTHEW. 


DT.  Mattheu',  who  was  also  called  Levi,  though 
a  Hebrew,  and  probably  a  native  of  Galilee,  held  an 
office  under  the  Roman  government,  being  a  publican 
or  tax-gatherer.  This  evangelist  appears  to  have 
been  collector  of  the  duties  upon  such  merchandizes 
as  came,  by  the  sea  of  Galilee,  and  the  toll  of  passen- 
gers by  water.  His  office  or  custom-house  was  at 
Capernaum,  the  usual  place  of  our  Saviour's  abode. 
As  Jesus  was  going  out  of  the  city  of  Capernaum,  to 
walk  by  the  side  of  the  sea,  he  perceived  Matthew 
sitting  in  his  office,  and  said  to  him,  '*  Follow  me. — 
*'  And  he  arose  and  followed  him.'*  Matthew  was 
in  opulent  circumstances,  and  had  a  lucrative  em- 
ployment :  but  he  not  only  relinquished  his  posses- 
sions, but  also  hazarded  incurring  the  displeasure  of 
his  superiors  in  office,  for  so  abruptly  deserting  the 
business  which  they  had  entrusted  to  his  care. 

The  Pharisees,  who  were  accustomed  to  avail  them- 
selves of  every  opportunity  of  endeavoring  to  bring 
the  doctrines  of  our  blessed  Saviour  into  disrepute, 
informed  some  of  the  disciples  of  our  Lord,  that  their 
Master's  familiarity  with  publicans  and  sinners,  they 
conceived  to  be  extremely  inconsistent  widi  that  pu- 
rity and  holiness  of  character  to  which  he  pretended. 
Thus  was  our  Saviour  censured,  in  consequence  of  his 
having  accepted  an  invitation  from  Matthew,  to  par- 
take  of  an  entertainment,  where  the  guest  were  com- 
posed almost  entirely  of  publicans:  but  he  infoimed 
these  people,  that  though  the  persons  with  whom  he 
had  associated,  were  infamous  to  a  proverb,  yet  the 
circumstance  of  his  joining  the  company,  could  not 
justly    subject  him  tu  reproach  ;   for  his  motive    was 


352  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    MATTHEW. 

not  either  to  encourage  or  countenance  their  iniquit- 
ous  proceedings,  but  to  convince  them  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  reforming  their  lives,  as  the  only  means  of 
effectually  providing  for  their  eternal  salvation. 

After  his  conversion,  Matthew  did  not  return  to  his 
former  employment  of  a  publican,  although  St.  Peter, 
and  some  other  of  the  apostles,  re-assumed  the  pro- 
fession of  fishermen,  after  the  resurrection  of  our  Sa- 
viour. On  this  head,  St.  Gregory  observes,  that 
some  callings  are  in  themselves  innocent,  and  that 
there  are  others  vvhichcan  scarcely  be  exercised  with- 
out sin.  The  corrupt,  insolent,  and  covetous  practi- 
ces of  the  publicans,  had  brought  the  characters  of 
those  officers  into  universal  detestation  ;  and  had  Mat- 
thew returned  to  his  former  profession,  he  would 
have  been  in  danger  of  yielding  to  those  temptations 
to  which  he  must  have  been  perpetually  exposed. 

During  the  first  eight  years  after  the  ascension  of 
our  blessed  Saviour,  St.  Matthew  continued  to  preach 
the  gospel  in  various  parts  of  Judea :  but  after  that 
period,  he  departed  from  the  country  of  Palestine,  in 
order  to  explain  the  principles  of  Christianity  to  the 
Gentiles.  There  is  nothing  of  certainty,  as  to  the 
course  St.  Matthew  pursued  in  his  travels  ;  though 
the  province  which  claimed  his  peculiar  attention,  is 
said  to  have  been  the  Asiatic  ^Ethiopia. 

Before  leaving  Judea,  at  the  instance  of  the  Jewish 
converts,  he  wrote  his  history  of  the  life  and  transac- 
tions of  the  blessed  Jesus.  The  gospel  of  St.  Mat- 
thew was  written  before  that  of  either  of  the  other 
three  evangelists  ;  and  for  this  reason,  it  takes  the 
first  place  in  the  canon  of  the  New  Testament.— 
Nicephorus  is  of  opinion,  that  this  gospel  was  written 
fifteen  years  after  the  ascension  of  our  blessed  Savi- 
our ;  and  Irenasus  supposes  it  to  have  been  produced 


THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    MATTHEW.  353 

at  a  much  later  period.  It  must,  however,  have  been 
extant  previous  to  the  dispersion  of  the  apostles  ;  for 
St.  Bartholomew  took  it  with  him  into  India,  and  left 
it  in  that  country.  The  ancients  concur  in  opinion, 
that  this  work  was  originally  written  in  Hebrew  ;  and 
this,  indeed  is  very  probable,  since  it  was  intended  by 
the  author  for  the  use  of  those  who  had  been  born 
and  bred  in  Judea  and  Jerusalem  ;  and  therefore  it  ip 
reasonable  to  suppose,  that  he  wrote  to  them  in  their 
mother-tongue.  Being  translated  into  Greek,  this 
version  received  the  unanimous  approbation  of  the 
apostles,  and  consequently  obtained  equal  authority 
with  the  original.  By  whom  this  gospel  was  trans- 
lated, is  uncertain.  Athanasius,  in  his  Synopsis,  as- 
cribes the  work  of  St.  James  the  Less  ;  Anastatius 
attributes  it  to  St,  Paul  and  St.  Luke ;  and  others 
say  it  was  written  by  St.  John.  There  is  no  cer- 
tainty as  to  what  became  of  the  original  Hebrew,  or 
whether  that  copy  of  it  which  Pant^enus  is  said  to 
have  brought  from  the  Indies,  was  deposited  in  the 
city  of  Alexandria,  and  there  kept  till  the  time  of 
St.  Jerome,  who  avers  that  he  perused  it. 

St.  Matthew  was  a  man  extremely  addicted  to 
spiritual  contemplation  ;  he  was  temperate  and  ab- 
stemious to  an  exemplary  degree,  denying  himself  the 
common  gratifications  and  conveniencies  of  life,  and 
subsisting  entirely  upon  vegetable  productions.  He 
was  also  a  man  of  singular  humility.  In  mentioning 
the  apostles  by  pairs,  the  other  evangelists  place  St. 
Matthew  before  St.  Thomas  ;  but  he  modestly  speaks 
of  himself  last. 

The  other  apostles  mention  the  former  sordid  and 
disgraceful  course  of  life  in  which  this  evangelist  had 
been  engaged,  only  under  the  name  of  Levi  :  but 
speaking  of  himself,  he  mentions  his  former  circum- 
stances and  situation,  under  the  name  of  Matthew. 

VOL.    II.  2  w 


354  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    MATTHEW. 

Venantius  Fortunatus  says,  St.  Matthew  suffered 
martyrdom  at  Nadabber,  a  city  in  the  Asiatic  Ethio- 
pia :  but  the  manner  of  his  death  is  not  particularly 
mentioned.  Nicephorus  writes,  that  in  consequence 
of  his  prayers  to  heaven,  the  fire  kindled  to  burn  him 
was  suddenly  extinguished,  and  that  he  afterwards 
died  according  to  the  common  course  of  nature. — 
Dorotheus  asserts,  that  St.  Matthew  was  honorably 
interred  at  Hierapolis  in  Parthia.  St.  Chrysostom 
imagines,  that  St.  Matthew  died  before  the  seventieth 
year  of  Christ,  when  Jerusalem  was  destroyed  by  the 
Romans. 


(     355    ) 


The  life  of  St.  THOMAS. 


E  have  no  account  in  the  evangelical  history, 
either  of  the  country  or  kindred  of  St.  Thomas  :  but 
from  circumstances,  however,  we  may  pretty  safely 
conclude,  that  he  was  a  Jew  ;  and  in  all  probability,  he 
was  a  native  of  Galilee.  Learned  men  concur,  in 
giving  the  following  reason  .for  St.  Thomas  being 
called  Didymus  :  when  the  Jews,  travelled  into  fo- 
reign countries,  or  were  accustomed  to  converse  fa- 
miliarly with  Greeks  or  Romans,  they  assumed  to 
themselves  Greek  and  Latin  names,  bearing  an  affini- 
ty to,  or  perhaps  being  synonimous  with  those  given 
them  by  theii  parents.  Thus  Thomas,  a  Syriac 
name,  denoting  a  twin,  was  explained  by  Didymus, 
which  has  the  same  import  in  the  Greek. 

Soon  after  being  appointed  to  the  exercise  of  the 
apostolical  duties,  St.  Thomas  aiforded  an  eminent 
instance  of  his  willingness  to  encounter  the  utmost 
danger  and  difficulty,  rather  than  abandon  the  righ- 
teous cause  of  his  great  Lord  and  Master.  When 
the  rest  of  the  apostles  were  endeavoring  to  dissuade 
Jesus  from  going  into  Judea,  on  account  of  the  de- 
cease of  Lazarus,  and  were  greatly  troubled,  lest  he 
should  be  stoned  by  the  multitude,  finding  their  argu- 
ments would  prove  ineffectual,  Thomas  said,  '*  Let 
*'  us  go,  that  we  may  die  with  him."  For  he  con- 
cluded, that  instead  of  restoring  Lazarus  to  life,  his 
Master  would  himself  submit  to  the  power  of  death, 
through  the  fury  of  the  populace.  When  the  holy  Je- 
sus, a  short  time  previous  to  his  sufferings,  was  speak- 
ing to  his  apostles  concerning  the  joys  of  heaven,  in- 
forming them,  that  he  was  about  to  depart,  in  order  to 
prepare  for  their  reception  in  the  regions  of  eternal 


356  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    THOMAS. 

bliss  ;  adding,  that  they  might  follow  him,  and  that 
they  knew  both  where  he  was  going,  and  the  way  thi- 
ther ;  St.  Thomas  replied,  that  they  knew  not  where 
he  was  going,  and  were  equally  ignorant  as  to  the 
way  leading  to  the  place  to  which  he  alluded.  Here- 
upon our  Lord  emphatically  replied,  *'  I  am  the 
"  way;"  thereby  intimating,  that  the  Almighty  had 
sent  him  to  instruct  mankind  in  the  means  of  obtain- 
ing eternal  life,  which  they  could  not  fail  of  enjoying, 
if  they  followed  his  example. 

On  the  day  of  the  resurrection  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer, he  came  to  the  house  where  a  number  of  his 
disciples  were  assembled  :  but  at  this  meeting,  Tho- 
mas was  not  present,  having,  it  is  probable,  not  join- 
ed his  brethren  since  their  dispersion  in  the  garden  ; 
when  the  apprehension  of  danger,  induced  each  of 
them  to  consult  his  particular  personal  safety.  Upon 
being  informed  by  his  brethren,  that  their  Master  had 
appeared  to  them,  he  refused  to  yield  credit  to  their 
assertion  ;  saying  that  what  they  had  mistaken  for 
their  Master,  must  have  been  a  spectre  or  apparition  ; 
which  opinion,  had  he  been  present,  he  would  have 
retained,  unless  convinced  of  the  identity  of  the  per- 
son of  his  Master,  by  the  prints  of  the  nails,  and  the 
Wounds  in  his  hands  and  side. 

Notwithstanding  this  infidelity  in  suspending  his 
faith  of  those  facts  which  the  ancient  prophets  had 
expressly  foretold,  which  Christ  himself  had  inculcat- 
ed in  his  discourses,  and  which  the  other  apostles  had 
attested,  with  infinite  condescension  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer again  presented  himself,  when  Thomas  and 
his  brethren  were  assembled ;  and,  after  the  usual 
salutation  of  '*  Peace  be  unto  you,"  he  turned  to  Tho- 
mas, commanding  him  to  "  reach  forth  his  hand,  and 
"  put  it  to  his  side,  and  his  fingers  into  the  prints  of 
**  the  nails."     Thomas  obeyed,  and  being  convinced 


THE    LIFE    OF  ST.    THOMAS.  357 

of  his  error,  exclaimed,  **  My  Lord,  and  my  God;" 
thus  acknowledging  that  Jesus  had  proved  himself 
omnipotent,  in  subduing  the  power  of  death  ;  and 
omniscient,  in  being  sensible  of  the  scruples  *  he 
had  entertained.  Our  Saviour  now  observed,  that  it 
was  happy  for  him,  that  he  believed  in  the  evidence  of 
his  senses  ;  adding,  however,  that  he  would  have  been 
more  commendable,  had  he  believed  without  such  evi- 
dence, since  he  was  not  unacquainted  with  the  seve- 
ral predictions,  purporting  that  the  Son  of  God  would 
rise  from  the  dead. 

After  the  extraordinary  effusion  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
which,  according  to  his  promise,  our  blessed  Redeem- 
er poured  upon  his  apostles,  St.  Thomas  and  his 
brethren  preached  the  gospel  in  different  parts  of  Ju- 
dea  ;  and  after  the  dispersion  of  the  Christian  church 
in  Jerusalem,  Thomas  repaired  into  Parthia,  the  pro- 
vince wherein  he  was  appointed  to  discharge  the  du- 
ties of  his  holy  ministration.  After  this,  he  preached 
to  the  Mcdes,  Persians,  Carmanians,  Hyrcanians, 
Bactrians,  and  the  neighboring  nations.  During  his 
residence  in  Persia,  he  is  said  to  have  met  with  the 
magi,  or  wise  men,  who  upon  hearing  of  the  birth 
of  Christ,  had  travelled  through  a  great  extent  of 
country,  in  order  to  pay  their  adorations  to  him  ;  and 
after  baptizing  these  people,  he  admitted  them  among 
the  number  of  his  followers,  employing  them  as  his 
assistants  in  propagating  the  doctrines  of  Christian- 
ity. 

Passing  through  Persia  and  Ethiopia,  St.  Thomas 
travelled  into  the  Indies.  When  the  Portuguese  first 
visited  India,  after  their  discovery  of  a  passage  by 

*  By  this  doubting  of  Thomas,  we  are  more  confirmed,  than  by  the 
f;iith  of  the  other  apostles  ;  for  this  circumstance  was  productive  of  an 
in'  ontrovertible  proof,  that  the  very  body  in  which  our  Lord  suffered 
upon  the  cross,  was  restored  to  life. 


358  THE    LIFE  OF    ST.    THOMAS. 

the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  they  collected  several  par- 
ticulars concerning  St.  Thomas  ;  partly  from  anci- 
ent monuments,  and  partly  from  uncontroverted  tra- 
ditions, which  had  been  preserved  by  the  Christians. 
The  substance  of  these  particulars  is,  that  St.  Tho- 
mas arrived  at  Socotora,  an  island  in  the  Arabian  Sea  ; 
from  whence  he  proceeded  to  Cranganor,  where  hay- 
ing gained  many  converts,  he  travelled  farther  into  the 
east.  Having  successfully  preached  the  gospel,  he 
returned  into  the  kingdom  of  Coromandel ;  and  at 
Malipur,  the  metropolis,  situated  in  the  neighborhood 
of  the  mouth  of  the  Ganges,  he  began  to  erect  a  place 
for  divine  worship  :  but  this  work  was  interrupted  by 
the  idolatrous  priests,  and  Sagamo,  the  prince  of  the 
country.  The  apostle,  however,  performed  several 
miracles,  and  with  such  effect,  that  he  was  permitted 
to  proceed  in  his  undertaking  ;  and  Sagamo  himself 
being  converted  to  Christianity,  a  great. number  of 
his  subjects  followed  the  example  of  their  prince. 

From  the  great  success  of  the  gospel,  the  Brach- 
mans  dreading  that  their  own  religion  would  be  extir- 
pated, were  extremely  exasperated  against  St.  Tho- 
mas ;  and  knowing  that  he  was  accustomed  to  retire 
to  a  tomb  at  a  small  distance  from  the  city,  for  the 
exercise  of  private  devotion,  they  resolved  that  this 
place  should  be  the  scene  of  the  sanguinary  designs 
which  they  had  projected  against  the  apostle.  While 
he  was  fervently  praying  to  the  Almighty,  the  Brach- 
mans,  attended  by  a  number  of  armed  followers,  sur- 
prised the  apostle  in  his  retirement  ;  and  having  dis- 
charged against  him  a  shower  of  darts,  one  of  the 
priests  ran  him  through  the  body  with  a  lance. 

The  body  of  St.  Thomas  was  interred  by  his  dis- 
ciples in  the  church  which  he  had  lately  constructed, 
and  which  was  afterwards  improved  into  a  magnificent 
structure.     According  to  St.  Chrysostom,  St.  The- 


THE    LIFE  OF    ST.    THOMAS.  359 

mas,  who  was  originally  the  most  incredulous  and 
weak  of  the  apostles,  became,  through  the  conde- 
scension of  Christ  in  satisfying  his  scruples,  the  most 
active  and  invincible  of  the  whole  number  ;  travel- 
ling over  a  great  part  of  the  globe,  and  preaching  the 
gospel  to  ignorant  and  barbarous  nations,  with  unre- 
mitting zeal  and  fortitude. 


(    360    ) 


The  life  of  St.  JAMES  the  LESS. 

IT  may  be  reasonably  conjectured,  that  St.  James 
the  Less  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  afterwards  the  hus- 
band of  Mary,   by  his  first  wife,  whom  St.  Jerome 
stiles  Escha ;  adding,  that  she  was  the  daughter  of 
Aggi,    brother  to  Zacharias,  the  father  of  John  the 
Baptist.     Hence  he  was  reputed  to  be  the  brother  of 
our  blessed  Saviour.     In  the  evangelical  writings,  we 
indeed  find,  that  several  persons  are  mentioned  as  the 
brethren  of  our  Lord  ;  but  in  what  sense,  was  greatly 
controverted  by  the  ancients.    St.  Jerome,  St.  Chrys- 
ostom,  and  some  others,  assert  them  to  have  been 
so  denominated  from  their  being  the  sons  of  Mary, 
cousin-german,   or  according  to  the  Hebrew   idiom, 
sister  to  the  Virgin  Mary.     But  Eusebius,  Epipha- 
nius,  and  others  say,  that  they  were  the  children  of 
Joseph  by  a  former  wife  :   and  this  seems  best  to  ac- 
cord with,  what  the  evangelist  says.     *' Is   not  this 
**  the  carpenter's  son  ?  Is  not  his  mother  called  Mary  ? 
*'  and    his   brethren    James   and  Joses,   Simeon   and 
**  Judas  ?  and  his  sisters,  are  they   not  all  with  us  ? 
"  Whence  then  hath  this  man  these  things  ?*'  Hence 
it  appears,  that  the  Jews   understood  these  persons  to 
be  not  only  Christ's  kinsmen,  but  his  brethren. 

After  the  resurrection,  St.  James  the  Less  was  ho- 
nored with  a  particular  appearance  of  our  Lord  ;  and 
this  circumstance,  though  not  mentioned  by  the  evan- 
gelists, is  recorded  by  St.  Paul.  Some  time  after 
our  Saviour  had  appeared  to  James,  he  was  constituted 
bishop  of  Jerusalem,  being  advanced  beyond  his 
brethren  on  account  of  his  relationship  to  Christ ; 
and  for  this  reason,  Simeon  was  elected  to  succeed 
him  in  that  see  ;  for  after  James,  he  was  the  next  kins- 


THE  LIFE  OF  ST.  JAMES  THE  LESS.  36 1 

man  to  our  Saviour  ;  a  consideration  which  induced 
Peter,  and  the  two  sons  of  Zcbedec,  though  they  had 
been  greatly  honored  by  our  Lord,  to  dcchne  con- 
tending for  that  high  office. 

After  the  conversion  St.  Paul,  upon  his  coming 
to  Jerusalem,  he  applied  to  James,  who  honored  him 
with  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.  Peter  sent  news 
of  his  miraculous  deliverance  from  prison  to  St. 
James.  "  Go,  shew  these  things  unto  James,  and  to 
*'  the  brethren."  Thus  he  commanded  that  the  in- 
telligence should  be  communicated  to  the  brethren 
in  general,  but  particularly  to  James,  who  was  the 
pastor  of  the  church. 

St.  James  was  remarkably  diligent  in  the  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  his  sacred  office,  and  his  preaching 
was  attended  with  proportionate  success.  His  zeal 
and  industry  rendered  him  a  particular  object  of  the 
rage  of  the  enemies  of  the  gospel,  whom  he  has  thus 
described  :  "  they  please  not  God,  and  are  contrary 
'^  to  all  men."  Provoked  in  consequence  of  St.  Paul 
having  escaped  the  effects  of  their  fury,  by  making  an 
appeal  to  Cassar,  they  directed  their  wrath  against 
St.  James  :  but  being  unable  to  effect  their  cruel  de- 
sign during  the  government  of  Festus,  they  resolved 
to  attempt  it  under  the  procuratorship  of  Albinus,  his 
successor,  Ananus  the  younger  of  the  Sadducees, 
being  then  high-priest. 

In  pursuance  of  their  iniquitous  design,  a  council 
was  summoned  for  the  purpose  of  examining  St. 
James,  whom  this  assembly  condemned  as  a  violator 
of  the  law.  But  lest  the  people  should  be  enraged, 
and  a  popular  tumult  ensue,  the  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees endeavored  to  ensnare  the  apostle  ;  insidiously 
informing  him,  that  they  had  reposed  an  implicit  con- 
fidence in  him,  and  that  the  whole  Jewish  nation  as- 

VOL.     II.  2    X 


362  THE  LIFE  OF  ST,  JAMES  THE  LESS. 

cribed  to  him  the  title  of  a  just  man  :  and  they  re- 
quested that  he  would  avail  himself  of  tlie  opportunity 
aftorded  by  the  great  number  of  people  assembled  on 
occasion  of  the  paschal  solemnity,  of  correcting  the 
erroneous  opinions  they  had  imbibed  respecting  Je- 
sus :  adding,  that  if  he  would  publicly  disclaim  his 
being  the  Messiah,  they  would  accompany  him  to  the 
top  of  the  temple,  whence  his  proclamation  might 
be  heard  by  the  multitude. 

The  apostle  said  he-  would  accept  their  proposal, 
of  addressing  ihe  people  from  the  top  of  the  temple  ; 
and  being  stationed  on  one  of  the  pinnacles,  the  Scribes 
and  Pharisees  demanded  that  he  would  declare  his 
sentiments  concerning  the  crucified  Jesi?s.  Hereup- 
on St.  James  said  in  an  audible  voice,  "  Why  do  you 
•"'  enquire  of  Jesus,  the  ^on  of  Man  ?  He  sits  in  hea- 
'*  ven,  at  the  right-hand  of  the  Majesty  on  high,  and 
^'  v.'ill  come  again  in  the  clouds  of  heaven."  Hear- 
ing this  declaration,  the  multitude  exclaimed  '*  Ho- 
"  sanna  to  the  Son  of  David." 

Thus  disappointed,  and  knowing  that  the  measures 
they  had  pursued  could  not  fail  more  strongly  to  con. 
firm  the  people  in  their  belief  of  the  gospel,  they  de- 
termined to  put  James  to  instant  death,  that  the  fate 
of  this  apostie  might  deter  others  from  acknow- 
ledging Jesus  of  Nazareth  as  the  Messiah.  They  ac- 
cordiiigly  cried  out,  that  Justus  himself  was  seduc- 
ed and  become  an  impostor,  and  immediately  preci- 
pitated him  from  the  pinnacle  whereon  he  stood  into 
the  court  below.  Notwithstanding  the  violence  of 
the  fall,  this  holy  man  was  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able 
to  rise  on  his  knees,  and  fervently  pray  to  heaven  in  be* 
half  of  his  murderers.  But  his  cruel  and  unrelenting 
enemies  cast  a  great  number  of  weighty  stones  at  him, 
even  at  the  very  time  v\  hen  he  was  benevolently  sup- 
plicating the  Almighty  to   pardon    their   iniquities; 


THE  LIKE   OF  ST.   JAMES  THE    LE-^S.         363 

but  one  of  the  multitude,  more  merciful  than  his  as- 
sociates, released  him  from  hii>  sufferings,  by  putting 
a  period  to  his  life  with  a  fuller's  club. 

Thus  fell  this  righteous  man  in  the  ninety-sixth 
year  of  his  age,  and  about  twenty-four  years  after  the 
glorioJis  ascension  of  our  blessed  Saviour.  His  death 
was  severely  lamented  by  all  the  members  of  the 
Christian  church,  and  even,  as  Josephus  acknowledg- 
es, by  the  most  just  and  sober  people  of  the  Jewish 
nation.  St.  James  the  Less  was  a  man  of  exem- 
plary piety  and  virtue,  and  of  such  unblemished  in- 
tegrity, that  he  obtained  the  honor  of  being  surnamed 
the  Just  by  his  countrymen.  He  was  a  man  of  such 
abstracted  piety,  as  entirely  to  neglect  his  person, 
that  his  religious  duties  might  not  suffer  interruption. 
He  always  lived  in  a  state  of  celibacy,  and  neither  eat 
flesh  nor  drank  wine,  nor  any  other  kind  of  strong  li- 
quor :  he  only  clothed  himself  in  linen,  and  neither 
anointed,  bathed,  nor  shaved  his  head,  to  which  the 
inhabitants  of  the  eastern  countries  were  accustomed. 
He  frequently  retired  into  the  temple,  and  there  con- 
tinued alone,  earnestly  supplicating  the  Almighty  to 
pardon  the  sins  of  mankind.  He  was  so  constantly 
employed  in  prayer,  that,  as  we  are  assured  by  Euse- 
bius,  the  skin  of  his  knees  was  as  hard  as  the  hide  of 
a  camel. 

St.  James  wrote  only  one  epistle,  and  that  proba- 
bly but  a  sjjiort  time  previous  to  his  martyrdom  ;  for 
it  contains  some  passages,  mentioning  the  near  ap- 
proach of  the  destruction  of  the  Jewish  nation.  This 
epistle  was  addressed  to  the  Jewish  converts  dispers- 
ed in  the  eastern  countries,  and  intended  to  comfort 
them  under   their  sufferings,  and  confirm  their    faith. 

The  more  conscientious  and  religious  part  of  the 
citizens  were  exceedingly  displeased  wdth  Ananus,  on 


364         THE  LIFE  OF  ST.  JAMES  THE  LESS. 

account  of  his  being  instrumental  in  the  horrid  mur- 
der of  St.  James  ;  and  they  privately  sent  to  Agrip- 
pa,  who  had  advanced  him  to  the  dignity  of  the  high- 
priesthood,  beseeching,  that  he  might  be  restrained 
from  the  perpetration  of  future  acts  of  unprovoked 
cruelty.  Some  of  those  people  who  went  forth  to 
meet  Albinus,  and  congratulate  him  on  his  being  pro- 
moted to  his  government,  represented  to  him,  that 
Ananus  had  abused  the  trust  reposed  in  him,  by  as- 
sembling the  council  which  had  condemned  James, 
without  having  a  licence  for  that  purpose.  Hereup- 
on Albinus  wrote  to  Ananus,  severely  reproaching 
him  for  his  conduct  ;  and  he  also  removed  him  from 
the  pontifical  office,  after  he  had  enjoyed  it  three 
months. 


(     365    1 


The  life  of  St.  SIMON  the  ZEALOT. 

In  the  catalogue  of  the  twelve  apostles,  St.  Simon 
is  distinguished  from  Simon  Peter  by  two  surnames, 
being  called  the  Canaanite  and   the   Zealot.     Hence 
some  have  imagined,  that  he  was  a  native  of  Cana  in 
Galilee,  and  that  it  was  on  occasion  of  his  marriage, 
that  our   Saviour  wrought  the  miracle  of  changing 
water  into  wine.     In  his  Greek  Testament,  Dr.   Mill 
has  observed,  that  this  name  is  variously  written,  Ca- 
nanaeus,    Chananaeus,   and   Canneeus.     The    learned 
Cave  says,   it  has  no  relation  to  Simon's  birthplace, 
but  descends  from  a  Hebrew  root  denoting  zeal. — 
St.   Luke  stiles  him  Simon  Zealotes  ;  so  that  it  ap- 
pears,  his  two  names  have  the  same  signification. — 
When  and  upon  what  account  he  was  called  Zealot, 
cannot   be    clearly  ascertained.       Nicephorus  dates 
this  from  the  time  of  his  commencing  the  apostolical 
office  :  but  had  the  name  been  given  him  on  this  oc- 
casion, it   is  probable,  that  the  circumstance  would 
have  been  mentioned  in  the   gospel,   as   well  as  the 
names  of  Peter  and  Boanerges,  or  have  at  least  been 
taken  notice  of  by  some  writer  of  much  greater  anti- 
quity than  Nicephorus.     Others  are  of  opinion,  that 
previous  to  his  engaging  in  the  service  of  Christ,  he 
was  oqe  of  that  particular  sect,  or  party  among  the 
Jews,  called  Zealots,  on  account  of  the  great  zeal  they 
professed   for  the   honor  of  God.     The   zealots   are 
mentioned  by  Josephus  and  other  ancient  writers,  as 
a  people  whose  zeal  degenerated  into  every  species  of 
the  most  abominable  licentiousness ;    and  these  wri- 
ters concur,  in  mentioning  them  as  the  most  deplora- 
ble  pests  of  the  Jewish  nation. 


366*      THE  LIFE  OF  ST.   SIMON  THE  ZEALOT. 

Though  it  may  be  very  fairly  presumed  that  this 
apostle  was  of  the  sect  of  Zealots,  yet  we  are  not  on 
that  account  to  degrade  him  in  our  esteem,  any  more 
than  St.  Matthew  for  being  originally  a  publican,  or 
St.  Paul  a  Pharisee,  and  a  violent  persecutor  of  the 
disciples  of  the  blessed  Jesus.  Whatever  the  former 
character  of  St.  Simon,  it  is  certain,  that  after  his 
conversion,  he  was  a  most  zealous  advocate  for  the 
honor  of  his  Master  ;  and  considered  the  enemies  of 
Christ  as  his  own,  however  nearly  xillied  to  him  by 
blood  or  affection.  He  was  himself  a  most  rigid  ob- 
server of  all  religious  duties,  and  constantly  ma- 
nifested a  steady  and  pious  indignation  against  those 
who  professed  a  regard  to  that  holy  religion  which 
they  dishonored  by  their  irregular  courses. 

According  to  Theodoret,  Simon  was  of  the  tribe  of 
Zebulon  or  Na[)hthali  ;  and  thus  he  distinguishes  him 
from  Simeon,  the  brother  of  our  Saviour,  who  was 
of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  afterwards  bishop  of  Jeru- 
salem. At  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  St.  Simon  receiv- 
ed the  miraculous  gifts  of  the  holy  Spirit  ;  so  that  he 
Avas  equally  qualified  with  the  rest  of  the  apostles, 
for  discharging  the  duties  of  the  gospel  ministration. 
There  is  no  doubt  of  his  having  exercised  the  gifts 
bestowed  upon  him  witfi  zeal  and  fidelity,  but  in  what 
quarter  of  the  globe  is  uncertain.  Some  writers 
assert,  that  he  travelled  into  Egypt,  Cyrene,  and 
Africa,  and  likewise  all  over  the  Mauritania,  pro- 
claiming the  gospel  of  Christ  to  those  ignorant  and 
barbarous  nations ;  and  others  add,  that  he  after- 
wards proceeded  into  the  western  parts,  and  preach- 
ed in  Great-Britain  ;  where,  they  assert,  after  he  had 
tonverted  great  multitudes  of  the  people,  and  sus- 
tained manifold  hardships  and  persecutions,  he  suf- 
fered martyrdom  by  crucifixion.  None  of  these  wri- 
ters, however,  have  pretended  to  ascertain  the  place, 
either  of  the  crucifixion  or  interment  of  St.   Simon. 


(    367     ) 


The  life  of  St.  JUDli. 


Il 


■  N  the  evangelical  history,  this  apostle  is  menti- 
oned by  three  different  names  ;  Jude,  or  Judas,  Thad- 
deus,  and  Lebbeus.  The  first  of  these  appellations 
he  had  in  common  with  many  other  Jews,  and  in  ho- 
nor oF  one  of  the  twelve  patriarchs  ;  and  it  is  proba- 
ble, that  the  other  two  were  added,  to  distinguish  him 
from  Judas  the  traitor,  whose  conduct  had  rendered 
that  appellation  odious  to  the  Christians.  Lebbeus, 
according  to  the  definition  of  St.  Jerome,  signifies  a 
man  of  wit  and  understanding  ;  and  Thaddcus  im- 
ports divine  fervor. 

St.  Jude  was  brother  to  St.  James  the  Less,  being 
the  sons  of  Cleophas  and  Mary  ;  and  consequently  he 
was  in  the  same  degree  of  relationship  to  our  Saviour 
with  St.  James,  whose  affinity  to  our  Lord  we  have 
explained  in  the  life  of  that  apostle. 

We  are  unable  to  determine,  when  or  by  what 
means,  he  became  a  disciple  of  Christ,  no  particulars 
concerning  him  being  on  record  till  we  find  him  men- 
tioned in  the  catalogue  of  the  twelve  apostles  ;  nor  is 
he  afterwards  mentioned  till  our  Lord's  last  supper, 
when  discoursing  to  his  disciples  concerning  his  de- 
parture, he  said,  "  the  world  should  see  him  no  more, 
"  thous^h  tbey  should  see  him."  Hereupon  the  apostle 
said,  "  Lord  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thyself 
''  to  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ?''  By  this  question 
it  appears,  that  Jude  expected  the  Messiah  would  es- 
tablish a  secular  kingdom  :  but  the  reply  corrects  his 
error,  informing  him,  that  the  world  was  unqualified 
for  the  glorious  appearance  of  the  Messiah,  having 
treated  his  person  with  disrespect,  and  rejected  his 


368  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    JUDE. 

doctrine ;  and  that  therefore  his  intimate  converse, 
and  special  acts  of  grace,  would  in  future  be  confined 
to  those  who  made  worthy  returns,  by  instances  of 
mutual  love,  and  a  due  obedience  to  his  commands. 

After  the  glorious  resurrection  of  our  holy  and 
blessed  Redeemer,  St.  Simon  resided  with  the  rest 
of  the  apostles  in  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  till  they  re- 
ceived the  effusion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  at  the  feast  of 
Pentecost.  We  are  told  by  Paulinus,  that  the  pro. 
vince  which  fell  to  the  share  of  St.  Jude  in  the  apos- 
tolical division,  was  Lybia  ;  but  he  does  not  mention 
whether  it  was  the  Cyrenean  Lybia,  which  is  suppos- 
ed to  have  received  the  gospel  of  St.  Mark,  or  the 
more  southern  part  of  Africa.  "We  have  no  other  ac- 
count of  his  preaching  in  those  countries. 

The  Armenians  aver,  that  St.  Jude  first  introduced 
Christianity  amongst  them,  and  will  not  admit  that 
his  remains  were  deposited  in  St,  Peter's  at  Rome  ; 
urging  that  he  died,  and  was  buried  in  their  country. 
The  Greek  Menologies  intimate,  that  this  apostle  died 
in  consequence  of  being  shot  with  arrows.  But  ac- 
cording to  the  general  opinion  of  the  writers  of  the  La- 
tin church,  he  suffered  martyrdom  with  St.  Peter  in 
Persia;  and  in  consequence  of  this  supposition, 
both  these  apostles  are  commemorated  on  the  same 
anniversary. 

We  have  only  one  epistle  under  the  name  of  St. 
Jude ;  and  this  is  placed  the  last  of  those  seven, 
which  in  the  sacred  canon  are  stiled  the  catholic. — 
It  bears  no  particular  inscription,  but  is  supposed  to 
have  been  originally  intended  for  the  converted  Jews 
in  their  several  dispersions,  as  were  the  epistles  of  St. 
Peter. 

The  subject  of  St.  Jude's  epistle,  is  nearly  similar 


THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    JUDE.  369 

to  'that  of  the  second  epistle  of  St.  Peter,  whose 
sense  he  principally  follows,  and  whose  expressions 
he  frequently  introduces.  But  as  the  iniquitous  prac* 
tices  of  the  Nicolaitans,  Gnostics,  the  followers  of 
Simon  Magus,  and  others,  had  arrived  to  a  most  ex- 
orbitant excess,  he  opposed  their  heretical  principles 
with  greater  severity  than  St.  Peter  had  done.  And 
because  true  Christian  charity,  though  zealous,  is 
without  bitterness  and  hatred,  he  exhorts  his  disciples 
to  pursue  gentle  measures  for  effecting  the  reformation 
of  those  deluded  people,  and  "  to  pluck  them  as 
*'  brands  out  of  the  fire  ;"  meaning  by  fire,  their  im- 
pious principles  and  practices,  which,  if  persevered 
in,  would  inevitably  produce  their  destruction.  He 
plainly  appears  to  intimate,  that  most  of  the  apostles 
were  dead  at  the  time  of  writing  his  epistle,  which 
seems  not  to  have  been  written  till  after  the  reign  of 
Nero,  and  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem. 

That  St.  Jude  was  a  married  man  is  unquestionable, 
for  Hegesippus  mentions  two  of  his  grand-children. 
St.  Jude,  like  St.  James,  St.  John,  and  sometimes 
St.  Paul,  does  not  stile  himself  an  apostle,  but  "  the 
*'  servant  of  God:*'  but  he  calls  himself  Jude,  the 
brother  of  James.  Many  of  the  Greek  writers  in- 
sist, that  he  died  at  Berytus  ;  but  in  this  it  is  evident, 
that  they  confound  this  apostle  with  Thaddues,  the 
evangelist  of  Edessa. 


VOL.     II.  2  Y 


(    370    ) 


The  life  of  St.   MATTHIAS. 

xilFTER  the  eleven  apostles  had  attended  our  Sa- 
viour to  the  summit  of  Mount  Olivet,  and  been  wit- 
nesses to  his  glorious  ascension  into  heaven,  they  re- 
turned to  the  house  of  St.  John,  on  Mount  Sion, 
which  Nicephorus  informs  us,  was  the  place  where 
the  primitive  Christians  were  accustomed  to  assem- 
ble. The  company  consisted  of  about  an  hundred 
and  twenty  persons ;  and  in  the  midst  of  these  St. 
Peter  arose,  and  delivered  a  succinct  narrative  of  the 
treacherous  conduct  of  Judas  Iscariot.  After  this,  he 
moved  for  the  immediate  election  of  a  new  apostle, 
that  the  original  mieht  be  a?ain  complete  ;  recom- 
mending  at  the  same  time,  that  the  person  to  whom 
this  important  office  should  be  committed,  might  be 
one  of  those  disciples  who  had  punctually  attended 
Jesus  during  the  whole  course  of  his  public  minis- 
try, from  the  time  of  his  baptism  by  St.  John,  to 
that  of  his  ascension  into  heaven  ;  for  it  was  neces- 
sary, that  the  person  to  succeed  to  the  apostolical  dig- 
nity, should  be  an  unexceptionable  witness  of  the 
holy  life  and  mighty  works  of  the  divine  Jesus,  and 
particularly  of  his  resurrection,  that  eminent  ratifica- 
tion of  all  his  doctrines  and  miracles. 

The  assembly,  immediately  assented  to  the  propo- 
sal of  St.  Peter,  and  two  persons  were  nominated  as 
candidates  ;  one  of  these  was  called  Joseph,  surnamed 
Bnrsabas  and  Justus,  supposed  to  be  the  brother  of 
Janjes  the  Less  ;  ai  d  the  other  was  called  Matthias. 
The  mode  of  election  w^as  by  lots,  a  riaraier  of  deter- 
mination commonly  resorted  to,  bcih  by  the  Jews 
and  Gentiles,  for  the  choice  of  magistrates  and  other 
public  officers.     This  method  of  decision  the  apos- 


TiiE    IJIK    Oh    ST.    MATTHIAS.  371 

ties  had  recourse  to,  particularly  on  this  occasion, 
because  they  were  not  yet  inspired  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
by  whose  especial  influence  they  were  afterwards  di- 
rected in  all  the  important  concerns  of  life.  They 
now  fervently  prayed  to  the  Almighty,  that  he  who 
knew  *' the  hearts  of  all  men,  would  shew,  whether 
"  of  those  two  he  had  chosen."  The  lots  being  put 
into  an  urn,  the  name  of  Matthias  w^as  first  drawn  ; 
and  he  was  accordingly  declared  to  be  the  twelfth 
itpostle. 

Hence  we  may  with  certainty  conclude,  though  the 
scripture  be  silent  with  respect  to  the  time  when  Mat- 
thias became  a  disciple  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  that 
he  was  one  of  his  earliest  followers  and  attendants. 
St.  Peter  expressed  an  anxious  wish,  that  the  man 
who  should  succeed  to  the  apostolical  vacancy,  might 
be  one  fully  qualified,  with  the  rest  of  the  brethren, 
to  bear  testimony,  from  his  own  knowledge,  of  the 
divine  nature  and  wonderful  works  of  the  holy  Jesus. 
Kusebius  and  Epiphanius,  and  Clemens  Alexandri- 
nus,  say,  that  St.  Matthias  was  one  of  the  seventy 
disciples  of  our  Lord. 

Having  prcaclied  a  considerable  time  in  different 
parts  of  Judea,  St.  Matthias,  as  we  are  informed  by 
the  Greek  writers,  travelled  eastward.  St.  Jerome 
says,  his  principal  residence  was  near  the  eruption  of 
the  river  Aparsus,  and  the  haven  Hyssus,  in  Cappa- 
docia.  He  was  indefatigably  industrious  in  his  en- 
deavors to  convert  the  uncivilized  inhabitants  to  Chris- 
tianity, which  considerable  numbers  of  them  em- 
braced. In  the  prosecution  of  this  holy  work,  how- 
ever, he  was  exposed  to  innumerable  hardships  and 
sufferings  ;  and  he  suffered  martyrdom  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  61,  or  as  others  assert,  in  the  year  64. — 
Dorotheus  asserts,  that  he  died  at  Sebastople,  and 
was  buried  there  near  the  temple  of  the  sun.     And 


372  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    MATTHIAS. 

ancient  martyrology  says,  he  was  seized  by  the  Jews, 
and  being  accused  as  a  blasphemer,  was  first  stoned 
and  then  beheaded.  But  the  Greek  offices,  which 
are  supported  by  several  ancient  breviaries,  say,  that 
he  was  crucified.  Some  contend,  that  his  body  was 
conveyed  to  Rome  ;  and  others  as  strenuously  assert 
that  it  was  interred  at  Treves,  in  Germany.  Bol- 
landus  is  of  opinion,  that  the  body  of  Matthias  which 
is  at  Rome,  is  that  of  Matthias,  who  was  bishop  of 
Jerusalem  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  120,  and  that  his 
history  has  been  confounded  with  that  of  the  apostle. 


(     373    ) 


The  life  of  St.  MARK. 

J  HIS  evangelist,  who  was  one  of  the  tribe  of  Le- 
vi, was  descended  from  Jewish  ancestors.  By  the 
ancients,  he  was  generally  esteemed  to  be  one  of  the 
seventy  disciples  of  our  blessed  Saviour  ;  and  Euse- 
bius  says,  that  he  was  sent  by  St.  Peter  to  preach  the 
gospel  in  Egypt ;  and  in  Alexandria,  the  metropolis 
of  the  country,  he  established  a  Christian  church. — 
He  converted  great  multitudes  of  both  sexes  ;  and  his 
preaching  was  attended  with  such  remarkable  success, 
that  the  people  not  only  embraced  the  Christian  faith, 
but  also  conformed  more  strictly  to  the  rules  of  mo- 
rality. 

Having  preached  in  several  of  the  oriental  parts  of 
Egypt,  he  travelled  westward  to  Lybia,  passing 
through  Marmarica,  Pentapolis,  and  other  neighbor- 
ing countries,  inhabited  by  barbarous  and  idolatrous 
people  ;  but  by  his  preaching  and  miracles  he  prevail- 
ed upon  them  to  embrace  Christianity,  and  confirmed 
them  in  that  faith. 

Returning  to  Alexandria,  he  preached  the  gospel 
with  great  freedom  and  boldness,  and  constituted  go- 
vernors and  pastors  of  the  church ;  but  while  indus- 
triously laboring  in  the  vineyard  of  his  great  Master, 
his  progress  in  his  holy  avocation  was  interrupted  by 
the  idolatrous  people. 

About  Easter,  when  they  were  celebrating  the  so- 
lemnities of  Serapis,  the  multitude  tumultuously  en- 
tering the  church,  seized  St.  Mark,  who  was  then 
performing  divine  service,  and  having  bound  his  feet 
with  cords,  cruelly  dragged  him  through  the  streets. 


374  THE    LIFE  OF    ST.    MARK. 

and  over  the  most  craggy  places,  to  the  Bucelus,  a 
precipice  near  the  sea,  where  they  confined  him  in  a 
lonesome  prison.  During  the  night,  his  great  and 
beloved  Master  appeared  to  him  in  a  vision,  and  com- 
forted him  under  his  afflictions,  encouraging  him  to 
submit  to  his  fate  with  Christian  magnanimity  and 
fortitude. 

On  the  following  morning  the  populace  renewed 
their  barbarity,  dragging  him  about  the  streets  till  he 
expired.  After  this  horrid  murder,  they  wantonly 
mangled,  and  then  cruelly  burnt  the  body  of  the  de- 
ceased. This  abominable  act  of  cruelty  being  per- 
petrated, the  Christians  carefully  collected  the  bones 
and  ashes  of  St.  Mark,  and  buried  them  near  the  place 
where  he  had  been  accustomed  to  preach.  The  re- 
mains of  this  Evangelist  were  afterwards  removed 
from  Alexandria  with  great  funeral  pomp,  and  con- 
veyed to  Venice,  where  they  were  religiously  honor- 
ed, and  St.  Mark  was  adopted  the  titular  saint  and 
patron  of  that  state.  This  evani^elist  suffered  mar- 
tyrdom on  the  fifieenth  of  April,  but  in  what  year  is 
uncertain  ;  though  from  circumstances  it  appears  pro- 
bable, that  it  happened  towards  the  conclusion  of  the 
reign  of  Nero. 

The  gospel  of  St.  Mark  was  written  at  the  earnest 
entreaty  of  the  converts  in  the  city  of  Rome.  Not 
content  with  havine;  heard  the  discourses  of  St.  Pe- 
ter,  they  solicited  St.  Mark,  his  disciple,  to  commit 
to  writing  a  narrative  of  what  that  apostle  had  deli- 
vered to  them.  This  task  was  undertaken  with  cheer- 
fulness, and  executed  with  remarkable  success.  The 
work  being  approved  by  St.  Peter,  it  was  command- 
ed to  be  publicly  read  in  the  Christian  assemblies. 


(     375     ) 


The  life  of  St.  LUKE. 


J  HE  city  of  Antioch,  the  metropolis  of  Syria, 
gave  birth  to  St.  Luke.  This  phice  abounded  in  se- 
minaries of  learning,  and  was  eminent  for  the  profici- 
ents it  produced  in  the  arts  and  sciences.  Having 
acquired  a  considerable  share  of  learning  in  his  own 
country,  he  travelled  into  Greece  and  Egypt  for  fur- 
ther improvement  ;  and  becoming  remarkablj  skilful 
in  the  science  of  physic,  he  determined  upon  the 
practice  thereof,  as  the  means  of  earning  a  subsist- 
ence. But  it  does  not  hence  follow,  that  he  was  a 
man  distinguished  either  for  his  birth  or  fortune;  for 
in  the  early  ages,  the  heiibng  art  was  generally  prac- 
tised by  domestics,  or  persons  in  a  dependant  situa- 
tion. Grotius  is  therefore  of  opinion,  that  St.  Luke 
went  to  Rome,  and  lived  there  in  quality  of  a  physici- 
an to  some  noble  family  ;  and  that  after  obtaining  his 
freedom,  he  returned  to  his  own  country,  and  there 
continued  to  pursue  the  practice  of  physic. 

He  also  acquired  great  reputation  by  his  skill  in 
painting ;  and  an  ancient  inscription  found  in  a  vault 
near  the  church  of  St.  Maria  de  Via  lata  at  Rome, 
supposed  to  be  the  place  where  St.  Luke  resided,  a 
picture  of  the  blessed  Virgin  is  mentioned,  "  being 
''  one  of  the  seven  painted  by  St.  Luke." 

The  evangelist,  whose  life  we  are  writing,  was  a 
Jewish  proselyte  :  but  at  what  time  he  embraced 
Christianity  is  uncertain.  St.  Luke  was  the  constant 
companion  of  St.  Paul  in  all  his  travels,  and  his  fel- 
low-laborer in  the  vineyard  of  Christ.  He  was  highly 
esteemed  by  that  apostle,  who  appears  to  enjoy  parti- 
cular satisfaction  in  acknowledging  him   as  his  com- 


376  THE    LIFE  OF    ST.    LUKE. 

panion.     He  calls  St.  Luke  "  the  beloved  physician,'* 
and  "  the  brother  whose  praise  is  in  the  gospel." 

St,  Luke  wrote  two  books  in  the  Greek  language 
for  the  use  of  the  Christian  church,  being  his  gospel, 
and  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  ;  and  he  dedicated  both 
these  productions  to  Theophilus,  which  many  of  the 
ancients  suppose  to  be  a  feigned  name,  denoting  a 
lover  of  God,  an  appellation  commonly  attributed  to 
sincere  Christians.  But  others  are  of  a  contrary  opi- 
nion, and  because  the  title  of  "  most  excellent,"  the 
usual  form  of  address  to  princes  and  great  men,  they 
suppose  Theophilus  to  have  been  a  person  of  rank. 

St.  Luke  is  supposed  to  have  written  his  gospel  at 
Rome,  during  the  two  \ears  imprisonment  of  St. 
Paul  in  that  city.  He  forcibly  mentions  the  several 
circumstances  which  relate  to  the  sacerdotal  character 
of  the  blessed  Jesus,  and  records  the  principal  transac- 
tions of  hib  life  ;  and  therefore,  in  accommodating  the 
four  symbolical  representations,  mentioned  in  *  Eze- 
kiel,  to  the  four  evangelists,  the  ancients  assigned  the 
ox  or  calf  to  St.  Luke. 

The  history  of  the  apostolical  acts,  St.  Luke  also 
wrote  at  Rome ;  from  the  dedication,  it  appears  to 
have  been  produced  after  his  gospel ;  and  from  the 
concluding  part  we  may  reasonably  conjecture,  that  he 
finished  it  about  the  end  of  St.  Paul's  imprisonment. 
In  this  history,  he  not  only  relates  the  actions,  but  al- 
so the  sufferings  of  some  of  the  chief  apostles,  and  of 
St.  Paul  in  particular,  of  whose  transactions  he  was 
perfectly  qualified  to  produce  an  authentic  narrative. 
He  particularly  enlarges  upon  the  great  miracles  per- 
formed by   the  apostles. 

*  Ezek.  i.  lo.  The  other  representations  are  a  man,  a  lion,  and  an 
eagle  ;  the  tirst  of  which  is  generally  given  to  St.  Mathew  ;  the  se- 
cond to  St.  Mark;  and  the  last  to  St.  John. 


THE    LIFE    OF  ST.    LUKE.  377 

We  have  no  certain  information,  either  as  to  the 
manner  or  the  time  of  the  death  of  St.  Luke  :  but 
there  is  reason  to  believe,  that  he  died  either  in  the 
eightieth,  or  eighty-fourth  year  of  his  age.  By  the 
command  of  Constantine,  or  his  son  Constantius,  if 
we  may  rely  on  the  authority  of  Niccphorus,  his  re- 
mains were  sent  to  Constantinople,  and  deposited  in 
the  church  built  to  the  memory  of  the  apostles. 


VOL.     II. 


(     378     ) 


The  life  of  St.  BARNABAS. 

1  HOUGH  not  one  of  the  twelve,  St.  Barnabas  is 
honored  by  St.  Luke,  and  the  primitive  writers,  with 
the  title  of  an  apostle;  and  indeed,  the  great  share 
which  he  is  represented  to  have  had  in  the  **  Acts  of 
"  the  Apostles,"  gives  him  a  just  title  to  this  distinc- 
tion. He  was  originally  called  Joses  ;  but  his  coun- 
trymen added  the  name  of  Barnabas,  to  denote  some 
excellent  quality  which  he  possessed.  St.  Luke  in- 
terprets this  name,  "•  the  son  of  consolation;"  and 
St.  Jerome  says,  it  further  signifies  "•  the  son  of  a 
*'  prophet."  Both  these  explananions  will  accord 
with  the  character  of  this  apostle,  who  was  eminent 
for  his  prophetic  gifts  and  endowments,  as  well  as  for 
that  spirit  of  benevolence  wdiichhe  was  constantly  ex- 
erting in  behalf  of  his  Christian  brethren.  He  was 
a  descendant  of  the  iribe  of  Levi ;  and  his  ancestors 
had  removed  from  Judea,  and  settled  in  the  isle  of 
Cyprus.  He  was  educated  at  Jerusalem,  under  Ga- 
maliel, the  preceptor  of  St.  Paul.  It  is  probable, 
that  the  accidental  circumstance  of  being  educated 
under  the  same  master,  proved  the  first  foundation  of 
that  intimate  friendship,  which  subsisted  between 
those  two  eminent  servants  of  the  blessed  Jesus. 

The  first  mention  of  Barnabas  in  the  scripture,  is 
the  record  of  that  memorable  service  to  the  church,  in 
disposing  of  his  patrimony  in  Cyprus,  and  giving  the 
whole  produce  to  the  apostles,  to  be  distributed  by 
them  among  the  indigent  followers  of  Christ.  This 
example  was  followed  by  many  other  opulent  Chris- 
tians :  but  Barnabas  is  mentioned  as  having  sold  the 
most  valuable  estate  in  the  island,  and  being  the  most 
active  in  promoting  this  laudable  design. 


THE  LIFE  OK  ST.  BARNABAS.  37.9 

When  St.  Paul,  three  years  after  his  conversion, 
came  to  Jerusalem,  he  addressed  himself  to  Barnabas, 
who  introduced  him  to  Peter  and  James,  and  satis- 
fied them  of  the  sincerity  of  his  faith  in  Jesus.  This 
recommendation  was  30  powerful,  that  Paul  was  not 
only  admitted  into  the  communion  of  the  apostles, 
but  invited  to  Peter's  house,  "  and  abode  with  him 
"  fifteen  days." 

Upon  the  inhabitants  of  Antioch  making  applica- 
tion for  some  of  the  superiors  of  the  religious  order 
to  come  amongst  them,  in  order  to  confirm  their  faith 
in  the  gospel,  which  had  been  preached  to  them  with 
remarkable  success,  St.  Barnabas  was  deputed  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  those  people,  and  by  his  exempla- 
ry life  and  pious  discourses,  he  made  very  considera- 
ble additions  to  the  Christian  church.  The  field  being 
too  extensive  for  one  laborer,  Barnabas  went  to  Tar- 
sus, to  procure  the  assistance  of  Saul,  who  returned 
witli  him  to  Antioch,  and  continued  to  assist  a  whole 
year,  in  the  pious  work  of  establishing  the  Christian 
church.  Their  labors  proved  successful ;  and  the 
disciples  of  Antioch,  who  before  this  had  called  them- 
selves brethren,  believers,  and  elect,  were  stiled  by 
their  enemies,  Nazarcnes ;  and  Galileans  were  now 
first  called  Christians. 

In  consequence  of  the  prophecy  of  Agabus,  that 
there  would  shortly  be  a  famine  throughout  the  world, 
or  as  it  is  most  generally  understood,  throughout  the 
Roman  empire,  and  particularly  in  Judea,  the  Antio- 
chians  sent  large  contributions  by  Barnabas  and  Paul, 
for  the  relief  of  their  brethren  in  Jerusalem.  Having 
discharged  their  charitable  commission,  they  returned 
to  Jerusalem,  taking  with  them  John,  whose  surname 
was  Mark,  the  son  of  Mary,  and  sister  of  Barnabas. 

A  short  time  after  the  return  of  the  apostles  to  An- 


S80  THE    LIFE   OF  ST.    BARNABAS. 

tioch,  an  express  revelation  was  made  by  one  of  the 
prophets,  purporting,  that  ''Barnabas  and  Saul  should 
*'  be  set  apart  for  an  extraordinary  work,  whercunto 
*'  the  Holy  Ghost  had  assigned  them  "  In  conse- 
quence of  this,  a  day  was  appointed  for  a  solemn  mis- 
sion, and  they  were  solemnly  ordained  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  the  Gentiles.  From  being  united  with  St. 
Paul  in  this  commission,  St.  Barnabas  obtained  the 
name  of  an  apostle. 

Being  consecrated  the  apostles  of  the  Gentiles,  Bar- 
nabas and  Paul  departed  from  Antioch,  being  attend- 
ed by  John  Mark,  who  acted  in  the  capacity  of  their 
deacon.  Having  preached  the  gospel  in  various  parts, 
they  arrived  at  Pamphylia,  whence  to  the  great  grief 
of  his  uncle,  Barnabas  returned  to  Jerusalem. 

Proceeding  to  Lystra,  Paul  cured  a  man  who  had 
been  born  lame ;  and  this  miracle  so  astonished  the 
inhabitants,  that  they  behaved  towards  him  and  his 
companion  as  divinities  :  but  they  modestly  disclaim- 
ed the  honors  offered  them  by  the  people. 

By  the  artifices  of  their  former  malicious  persecu- 
tors, the  inhabitants  of  Lystra  were,  at  length,  so  vi- 
olently inflamed  against  the  apostles,  that  they  assault- 
ed them  with  unrelenting  fury,  and  even  stoned  Paul 
till  they  believed  him  to  be  dead.  By  the  divine  as- 
sistance, however,  he  soon  recovered  his  health  and 
spirits  ;  then  departed  with  his  companion  for  Derbe, 
where  they  converted  many  of  the  people  to  the  reli- 
gion of  the  holy  Jesus. 

After  travelling  through  several  countries,  preach- 
ing the  gospel,  and  confirming  the  faith  of  their  dis- 
ciples, they  returned  to  Antioch  ;  where  soon  after 
their  arrival,  they  assembled  the  church  for  the  pur- 
pose  of  composing  a   disagreement,  occasioned  by 


THE  LIFE  OF  ST.    BARNABAS.  581 

some  of  the  Jewish  converts  having  endeavored  to 
persuade  the  Gentiles,  that  they  were  enjoined  to  an 
observation  of  the  law  of  Moses,  as  well  as  the  gos- 
pel dispensation.  All  their  endeavors  to  reconcile 
this  difference  proving  ineffectual,  Paul,  Barnabas, 
and  others,  were  nominated  to  submit  the  question  to 
the  decision  of  the  church  at  Jerusalem.  The  synod 
having  decreed  that  the  Gentile  converts  should  not 
have  circumcision  and  other  Jewish  rites  imposed 
upon  them,  the  apostles  returned  to  Antioch,  accom- 
panied by  John  Mark. 

Some  time  after  this,  St.  Peter  arrived  at  Antioch  ; 
and,  lest  he  should  render  himself  odious  to  the  bi- 
gotted  Jews  refused  to  hold  communication  with  the 
Gentiles ;  and  the  authority  of  this  example,  seduc- 
ed Barnabas  into  the  same  error  ;  of  which,  however, 
they  both  repented,  in  consequence  of  being  severely 
reproved  by  St.   Paul. 

A  few  days  after  the  above  event,  Paul  proposed 
to  Barnabas,  that  they  should  repeat  their  late  travels 
among  the  Gentiles  ;  and  this  was  approved  of  by 
Barnabas,  who,  however,  desired  that  they  might  be 
accompanied  by  his  reconciled  nephew,  John  Mark. 
This  was  resolutely  opposed  by  Paul,  on  account  of 
John  Mark  having,  when  at  Pamphylia,  proved  him- 
self deficient  in  the  constancy  of  becoming  a  faith- 
ful minister  of  Christ.  Hence  arose  a  disagreement; 
in  consequence  of  which,  these  holy  men,  who  had 
for  many  years  been  fellow  laborers  in  the  vineyard 
of  Christ,  separated.  Barnabas  and  his  kinsman  sail- 
ed for  Cyprus  ;  and  Paul,  accompanied  by  Silas,  tra- 
velled into  Syria  and  Cilicia. 

Barnabas  afterwards  travelled  into  various  quarters 
of  the  globe,  preaching  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation, 
healing  the  sick,  and  performing  other  miracles.—- 


382  THE  LIFE  OF  ST.  BAUNABAS. 

Returning  again  to  his  native  island,  he  pursued  the 
exercise  of  his  holy  ministration.  While  he  was 
preaching  in  the  synagogue,  some  Jews  from  Syria  and 
Salamis,  seized  and  barbarously  stoned  him  to  death. 
John  Mark,  who  was  a  spectator  of  this  horrid  act 
of  cruelty,  privately  interred  his  body  in  a  cave,  near 
the  city.  The  body  of  St.  Barnabas  is  said  to  have 
been  discovered  during  the  reign  of  the  emperor  Ze- 
no,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  485  ;  and  the  tradition 
adds,  that  a  Hebrew  manuscript  of  the  gospel  of  St. 
Matthew,  was  found  lying  upon  his  breast. 


(     383     ) 


The  life  of  St.  STEPHEN. 

1  HERE  are  no  records  concerning  the  birth, 
counlry  or  parents  of  St.  Stephen.  It  does  not  appear 
that  St.  Stephen  and  the  other  six  deacons,  had  any 
particular  designation  previous  to  their  appointment 
to  the  service  of  the  tables  ;  and  therefore  Stephen 
could  not  have  been  one  of  the  seventy  disciples,  al- 
though it  is  probable,  that  he  was  long  a  zealous  fol- 
lower of  the  blessed  Jesus. 

He  was  a  zealous  promoter  of  the  religion  of  the 
blessed  Jesus,  and  performed  a  great  number  of  mira- 
cles, in  confirmation  of  his  doctrine.     His  unremit- 
ting solicitude  in  obtaining  converts  to  the  cause  of 
Christianity,  highly  exasperated  the  Jews.   Some  peo- 
ple of  the  synagogue  of  the  freed  men  of  Cyrenia, 
Alexandria,  and  other  places,  engaged  in  a  controversy 
with  Stephen  ;  and  being  unable  to  destroy  the  force 
of  his  arguments,  ihey  suborned  false  witnesses  to  ac- 
cuse him   of   having   committed   blasphemy   against 
God  and   Moses.      These  mercenary    and  perjured 
wretches  deposed  before  the  Sanhedrim,  that  they  had 
heard  Stephen  speak  disrespectfully  of  the  temple  and 
law  ;  and  affirm,  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  would  destroy 
the  holy  place,  and  abolish  the  law  of  Moses.     St. 
Stephen  appeared  before  this  assembly  with  an  un- 
daunted resolution  ;  and  while  he  spoke  in  defence  of 
his  own  innocence,  his  face  became  brilliant  as  that  of 
an  angel. 

Having  concluded  his  defence,  his  enemies  were 
furiously  enraged :  but  regardless  of  their  malice, 
Stephen  raised  his  eyes  towards  heaven,  and  perceiv- 
e<l  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  blessed  Jesus  standing 


384  THE    LIFE    OF   ST.    STEPHEN. 

on  the  right  hand  of  Omnipotence.  Addressing  him- 
self to  the  council,  he  declared  the  particulars  of  his 
vision  ;  which  so  exasperated  them,  that  they  put 
their  hands  to  their  ears,  and  by  other  signals  intimat- 
ed, that  they  had  heard  some  dreadful  blasphemy  ; 
and  immediately  after,  they  hurried  him  out  of  the 
city,  and  stoned  him  to  death. 

On  these  cruel  occasions,  the  witnesses  were  accus- 
tomed to  cast  the  first  stones  at  the  victims  of  the  po- 
pular fury  :  but  whether  they  conformed  to  this  parti- 
cular at  the  martyrdom  of  St.  Stephen,  is  unknown. 
The  evangelist,  however,  informs  us,  that  the  wit- 
nesses were  principally  concerned  in  this  barbarous 
transaction  ;  for  they  stripped  off  their  garments,  and 
laid  them  at  the  feet  of  Saul,  then  a  violent  persecutor 
of  the  Christians,  but  afterwards  one  of  the  most  zea- 
lous ministers  of  the  gospel.  In  the  midst  of  his 
torments,  St.  Stephen  continued  fervently  to  pray  to 
the  Almighty,  that  he  would  pardon  his  persecutors., 
saying,  *'  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their  charge." 


(     385     ) 


The  life  of  St.  TIMOTHY. 


A( 


CCORDING  to  some  writers,  Timothy  was  a 
native  of  Lystra  ;  but  others  are  of  opinion,  that  he 
was  born  at  Derbe.  His  father  was  a  Gentile, 
and  his  mother  was  a  Jewess,  named  Eunice.  St. 
Paul  extols  the  parents  of  Timothy  on  account  of  their 
piety,  and  of  the  great  care  they  took  of  the  educa- 
tion of  their  son. 

When  St.  Paul  came  to  Lystra,  about  the  year  of 
Christ  52,  he  circumcised  Timothy,  previous  to  ad- 
mitting him  among  the  number  of  his  disciples.  Ti- 
mothy was  so  active  a  minister,  that  he  rendered 
Paul  very  essential  service  in  promulgating  the  gos- 
pel. We  cannot  ascertain  the  time  when  he  was 
constituted  a  bishop,  but  it  is  supposed,  that  he  very 
early  received  the  imposition  of  the  hands  of  the  apos- 
tle. St.  Paul  calls  him  his  dearly  beloved  son,  his 
brother,  the  companion  of  his  labors,  and  a  man  of 
God. 

Timothy  accompanied  St.  Paul  to  Macedonia,  Phi- 
lippi,  Thcssalonica,  and  Berea ;  and,  at  this  latter 
place,  he  was  left,  together  with  Silas,  to  confirm  the 
converts.  From  Athens  Paul  sent  for  Timothy  to 
join  him  ;  and  soon  after  his  arrrival,  he  was  dispatch- 
ed by  the  apostle  to  Thessalonica.  From  this  place, 
accompanied  by  Silas,  he  repaired  to  meet  St.  Paul 
at  Corinth. 

Some  years  afterwards,  St.  Paul  dispatched  Timo- 
thy and  Erastus  into  Macedonia,  ordering  the  former 
to  call  at  Corinth,  and  remind  the  inhabitants  of  the 

VOL.     II,  3     A 


386  THE    LIFE    OF    ST.    TIMOTHY. 

doctrines  he  had  preached  to  them.  Joining  Paul  in 
Asia,  they  travelled  together  into  Macedonia. 

When  St.  Paul  returned  from  Rome,  in  the  year  of 
Christ  64,  he  left  Timothy  at  Ephesus,  to  promote 
the  church  there,  of  which  he  was  the  first  bishop. 
From  Macedonia  St.  Paul  wrote  to  Timothy,  recom- 
mending him  to  moderate  his  austerities,  and  to  drink 
a  little  wine,  on  account  of  the  weakness  of  his  sto- 
mach, and  the  frequent  infirmities  to  which  he  was 
subject.  After  the  arrival  of  the  apostle  at  Rome,  in 
the  year  65,  being  but  a  short  time  before  his  death, 
he  wrote  a  second  epistle  to  Timothy,  expressing  the 
most  tender  affection  for  that  disciple.  He  requests 
him  to  repair  to  Rome  before  winter,  and  to  take 
with  him  several  articles  which  he  had  left  at  Troas. 
It  is  reasonable  to  suppose,  that  he  complied  with 
the  apostle's  desire,  and  that  he  was  a  witness  to  his 
martyrdom.  There  is  nothing  known  to  a  certainty 
with  respect  to  the  death  of  Timothy. 


(    .^^87    ) 


The  life  of  St.  TITUS. 


B] 


>EING  born  a  Gentile,  Titus  became  a  convert 
to  the  preaching  of  St.  Paul,  who  calls  him  his  son. — 
He  accompanied  Paul  to  Jerusalem,  when  the  apos- 
tles went  thither  to  procure  the  decision  of  the  synod, 
as  to  whether  the  converted  Gentiles  were  subject  to 
the  ceremonies  of  the  Jewish  law.  Several  persons 
were  at  this  time  very  urgent,  that  Paul  should  per- 
form the  ceremony  of  circumcision  upon  Titus,  but 
to  this  neither  of  them  would  consent. 

Titus  was  sent  by  St.  Paul,  to  compose  some  dif- 
ferences which  had  arisen  in  the  Christian  church  at 
Corinth  ;  and  he  succeeded  in  this  commission,  but 
refused  to  accept  the  presents  oflfered  him  by  the  in- 
habitants ;  thereby  proving,  that  he  did  not  act  from 
mercenary  motives,  but  from  an  anxious  concern  for 
their  eternal  salvation. 

From  Corinth,  Titus  went  into  Macedonia,  from 
whence  Paul  ordered  him  to  return,  in  order  to  make 
preparations  for  his  arrival.  He  immediately  depart- 
ed, taking  with  him  the  second  epistle  of  St.  Paul  to 
the  Corinthians.  About  the  year  of  Christ  63,  Titus 
was  constituetd  bishop  of  the  isle  of  Crete. 

The  following  year  the  apostle  wrote,  desiring,  that 
when  he  should  have  sent  Tychicus  or  Artemas  to  suc- 
ceed him  in  the  care  of  the  church  in  the  isle  of  Crete, 
that  Titus  would  come  to  him  at  Nicopolis,  where 
he  intended  to  reside  during  the  winter  season.  In 
this  epistle  he  enumerates  the  qualities  necessary  in  a 
bishop  and  instructs  Titus  in  the  questions  which  he 
was  to  propose  to  persons  of  all  descriptions.  He  also 


388  THE    LIFE  OF    ST.    TITUS. 

exhorts  him  to  maintain  a  strict  authority  over  the 
Cretans,  and  to  reprove  them  for  the  many  vices  to 
^vhich  they  vt^ere  addicted.  It  is  not  known  where 
this  epistle  was  written,  or  by  what  messenger  it  was 
sent. 

Titus  was  appointed  to  preach  the  gospel  in  Dal- 
matia,  where  he  resided  in  the  year  65,  when  the  apos- 
tle wrote  his  second  epistle  to  Timothy.  He  after- 
wards returned  into  Crete,  and  preached  the  gospel 
there,  and  in  the  neighboring  islands.  Titus  died  in 
the  ninety-fourth  year  of  his  age,  and  his  remains 
were  interred  in  the  island  of  Crete.  Several  writers 
concur  in  affirming,  that  the  cathedral  of  the  city  of 
Candia  was  dedicated  to  Titus. 


(    389    ) 


CONCLUSION. 


h 


.N  the  History  of  our  Blessed  Saviour,  we  have 
inserted  all  the  particulars  w^hich  are  known  concern- 
ing the  Virgin  Mary,  and  Mary  the  sister  of  Lazarus. 
With  respect  to  Joseph,  or  Joses,  the  brother  of  St. 
James  the  Less,  the  few  particulars  that  are  preserv- 
ed in  relation  to  him,  will  be  found  in  our  life  of  that 
apostle. 

We  have  already  observed,  that  Joseph  of  Arima- 
thea,  or  of  Banatha,  Rama,  or  Ramulus,  a  city  be- 
tween Joppa  and  Jerusalem,  was  secretly  a  disciple 
of  the  blessed  Jesus  ;  and  that,  after  avowing  the 
Christian  faith,  he,  in  conjunction  with  Nicodemus, 
deposited  the  body  of  our  crucified  Saviour  in  a  se- 
pulchre. The  name  of  Joseph  of  Arimathea  is  omit- 
ted in  the  ancient  Latin  martyrologies,  nor  was  it  in- 
serted in  many  others  till  after  the  year  of  Christ 
1585.  His  body  is  said  to  have  been  conveyed  to 
Moyenmontier,  by  Fortunatus,  archbishop  of  Gra- 
da.  The  relicks  of  this  saint  were  here  held  in  high 
veneration  till  the  tenth  age  ;  when  the  monastry  be- 
ing given  to  the  canons,  the  body  was  removed,  but 
to  what  place  is  unknown. 

Nicodemus  was  by  birth  a  Jew,  and  belonged  to  the 
sect  of  Pharisees.  After  his  conversation  with,  and 
conversion  by  the  holy  Jesus,  he  signalized  himself 
for  his  Christian  piety.  Upon  the  return  of  the  offir 
cers  dispatched  by  the  Pharisees  to  apprehend  our  Sa- 
viour, they  told  the  council,  that  never  man  had  spo- 
ken like  him.  Upon  this  the  Pharisees  severely  re- 
proached the  blessed  Jesus,  when  Nicodemus  asked 
his  brethren,  whether  they  were  permitted  by  the  law 


390  CONCLUSION. 

to  condemn  any  man  unheard.  At  length  he  openly 
declared  himself  to  be  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  and  as  we 
have  already  related,  joined  Joseph  of  Arimathea,  in 
paying  funeral  honors  to  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 

Nicodemus  received  baptism  from  the  disciples  of 
Christ,  but  whether  before  or  after  his  passion  is  un- 
certain. Gaining  intelligence  of  this  circumstance, 
the  council  deposed  him  from  the  dignity  of  a  senator, 
pronounced  against  him  the  sentence  of  excommuni- 
cation, and  compelled  him  to  retire  from  Jerusalem. 
His  effects  were  plundered,  and  he  was  so  cruelly  beat- 
en, as  to  be  very  near  losing  his  life.  After  this  bar- 
barous treatment,  he  took  shelter  in  the  house  of  Ga- 
maliel, his  uncle,  or  cousin-german  ;  who,  upon  his 
decease,  honorably  interred  him  near  the  body  of  St. 
Stephen.  In  the  year  415,  the  remains  of  Nicode- 
mus, together  with  those  of  Gamaliel  and  St.  Stephen, 
were  discovered. 

Nicholas  was  a  proselyte  at  Antioch,  where  he  was 
converted  from  Paganism  to  the  Jewish  religion.  He 
afterwards  embraced  the  gospel,  and  became  one  of 
the  most  eminent  of  the  primitive  Christians.  He 
is  accused,  but  with  what  degree  of  justice  cannot 
be  determined,  with  having  countenanced  the  hereti- 
cal sect  called  Nicolaites  ;  from  whence  arose  several 
others,  addicted  to  the  most  horrid  barbarities,  and 
other  crimes.  His  character,  however  is  strenuously 
defended  by  many  celebrated  writers  of  antiquity  : 
but  St.  John  does  not  intimate  the  least  circumstance, 
in  extenuation  of  the  fact  alledged  against  him  :  nor 
has  any  Christian  church  paid  honor  to  his  memory. 

Every  remarkable  event  in  the  life  of  John  Mark,  is 
included  in  our  account  of  Barnabas.  It  may  not, 
however  be  improper  to  introduce  some  few  additi- 
onal matters.     It  is  asserted  by  some  writers,  that  he 


CONCLUSION.  391 

was  bishop  of  Biblis  in  Phoenicia.  The  Greeks  call 
him  an  apostle,  and  say,  that  the  sick  were  cured  by 
his  shadow.  It  is  probable  that  he  died  at  Ephesus, 
where  his  tomb  was  much  resorted  to  and  celebrated. 

Concerning  Clement,  there  are  a  great  variety  of 
opinions;  but  it  is  tolerably  certain,  that  he  was  or- 
dained either  by  Peter  or  Paul ;  and  most  probably 
it  was  by  the  latter.  The  immediate  successor  of 
St.  Peter  in  the  Bishoprick  of  Rome,  was  Limus,  who 
was  succeeded  by  Anaclctus ;  and  the  successor  of 
this  bishop  was  Clement.  During  his  pontificate,  he 
wrote  an  epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  which  is  still  ex- 
tant ;  and  this  performance  was  so  highly  esteemed 
by  the  ancients,  that  it  was  frequently  read  in  their 
churches.  We  are  informed,  upon  good  authority, 
that  Clement  was  living  in  the  third  year  of  the  em- 
peror Trajan,  being  the  hundredth  of  our  great  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 


THE    END    OF    THE    LIVES   OF    THE    APOSTLEJf. 


A  BRIEF 

ENUMERATION 

OF  THE 

APOSTLES 

AND  THEIR 
SUCCESSORS 

For  the  first  three  hundred  years  after  the  Crucifixion. 


VOL.     II.  3   B 


A  BRIEF 
ENUMERATION 

OF  THE 

APOSTLES  AND  THEIR  SUCCESSORS, 

FOR 

The  first  three  hundred  years  after  the  Crucifixion. 

ANTIOCH. 

In  this  catalogue  of  the  five  Apostolical  Churches, 
we  shall  place  Antioch  first,  because  it  is  generally 
admitted,  that  a  church  was  founded  in  this  city  by 
St.  Peter,  a  considerable  time  before  the  estab- 
lishment of  that  at  Rome.  The  succession  of  the 
bishops  of  this  church  was  in  the  following  order  : 

1.  St.  Peter  the  Apostle  ;  who  presided  7  years,  or, 

according  to  Nicephorus,  11 

2.  Evodus,  23 

3.  Ignatius,  near  40 

4.  Heron,  20 

5.  Cornelius,   13 

6.  Eros,  26,  or,  according  to  Eusebius,  24 

7.  Theophilus.  13 


396  A    BRIEF    ENUMERATION 

8.  Maximinus,  13 

9.  Serapio,  25 

10.  Esclepiades,  9 

11.  Philetus,  8 

12.  Zebinus,  or  Zebennus,  6 

13.  Babylus,   13 

14.  Fabius,  or,  according  to  Nicephorus  Flavius,  9 

15.  Demetrianus,   as  Nicephorus  says,  4  :  but  Eu- 

sebius  says,   8 

16.  Paulus  Samosatenus,  8 

17.  Domnus,  presided. 2,  as  Nicephorus  asserts,  but 

Eusebius  says,  6 

18.  Timseus,  8 

19.  Cyrillus,  Nicephorus  says,  15,  Eusebius,  24 

20.  Tyrannus,   13 

21.  Vitalis,  6 

22.  Philogonius,  5 

23.  Paulinos,  or  as  Nicephorus  calls  him,  Paulus,  5 

24.  Eustatius,  formerly  bishop  of  Bersea,  a  learned 

man,  and  one  of  great  eminency  in  the  council 
of  Nice,  the  first  general  council,  summoned 
by  Constantine  the  Great,  whose  time  will  be 
the  boundary  of  this  catalogue. 


OF   THE    APOSTLES,    &C.  397 


ROME. 

The  establishment  of  this  church  is  attributed  both  to 
St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul ;  the  one  as  apostle  of  the 
circumcision,  preaching  to  the  Jews  ;  and  the  other, 
as  the  apostle  of  the  uncircumcision,  preaching  to 
the  Gentiles. 

1.  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul,  both  of  whom  suffered 

martyrdom  under  Nero 

2.  Linus,   12 

3.  Cletus,  Anacletus,  or  Anencletus,   some  say  9, 

and  others  2 

4.  Clemens,  9 

5.  Euaristus,  9,  or  13 

6.  Alexander,  10 

7.  Xystus,  or  Sixtus,  10 

8.  Telesphorus,  11 

9.  Hyginus,  4,  or  as  Eusebius  says,  8 

10.  Pius,   11,  or  15 

11.  Anicetus,   9,  or  11 

12.  Soter,  or  as  Niccphorus  calls  him,    Soterichus, 

9,  or,  as  Eusebius  says,  7 

13.  Eleutherus,   15 

14.  Victor,   10,  or  according  to  Onuphrius,  12 

15.  Zephyrinus,  8,  some  say  18,  and  Onuphrius  as- 

signs 20 

16.  Calistus,  or  Callixtus,  6,  others  say  5 

17.  Urbanus,  some  say  6,  others  4  ;  Eusebius  says 

5,  and  St.  Hierome,  9 

18.  Pontianus,  some  say  3,  others  4,  Eusebius  5 

19.  Anterus  died  before  the  expiration  of  a  month 

after  his  exaltation  to  the  pontifical  dignity 

20.  Fabianus,   14 

21.  Cornelius,  2 

22.  Lucius,  2,  others  say  3 


398  A    BRIEF   ENUMERATION 

23.  Stephaniis,  2  or  3,  or  as  some  say  7 

24.  Xystus,  1,  or  2,  or  according  to  Eusebius,  8 

25.  Dionysius,  6,  9,  10,  H,  and  Eusebius  extends 

the  time  to  12  years 

26.  Felix,  4  or  5 

27.  Eutycliianus,  1,  though  Eusebius  allows  him  but 

8  months,  and  Onuphrius  says  8  years  and  6 
months 

28.  Gains,    or  as  Eusebius  calls  him,  Gaianus,  11, 

or  as  Eusebius  says,  15 

29.  Marcellinus,  8  or  9 

30.  Marcellus,  near  6 " 

31.  Eusebius,  6,  some  say  4,  though  Eusebius  al- 

lows but  7  months,  and  Onuphrius   1  year  and 
y  months 

32.  Miltiades,  2,  3,  or  4 

33.  Silvester,  23,  or  as  Nicephorus  says,  28.     He 

was  elected  in  the  vear  of  our  Lord  314. 


OF    THE    Al'OStLES,    8zC.  399 


JERUSALEM. 

The  church  of  Jerusalem  may  in  some  sense  be  said 
to  have  been  established  by  our  Saviour  himself, 
for  it  was  cultivated  and  improved  by  the  whole 
college  of  apostles.  The  bishops  presided  in  the 
following  rotation  : 

1.  St.  James  the  Less,   some  say,  was  constituted 

bishop  by  our  blessed  Saviour,  but  others  arc 
of  opinion,  that  the  dignity  was  conferred  upon 
him  by  the  apostles 

2.  Simeon,  the  son  of  Cleophas,  brother  to  Joseph, 

our  Lord's  reputed  father.  He  presided  23  years 

3.  Justus,  6 

4.  Zacheus,  or,  as  Nicephorus  stiles  him,  Zachari- 

as,  4 

5.  Tobias,  4 

6.  Benjamin,  2 

7.  John,  2 

8.  Matthias,  or  Matthaus,  2 

9.  Philippus,   1 

10.  Seneca,  4 

11.  Justus,  4 

12.  Levi,  or  Lebes,  2 

13.  Ephrem,  or  Ephres,  or,  as  Epiphanius  stiles  him, 

Vaphres,  2 

14.  Joseph,  2 

15.  Judas,  2.     This  quick  succession  was  owing  to 

the  turbulent  and  refractory  spirit  of  the  Jews, 
who  frequently  rebelled  against  the  Roman  pow- 
er. Hitherto  the  bishops  of  Jerusalem  had  suc- 
cessively been  of  the  circumcision,  the  church 
there  being  entirely  composed  of  Jewish  con- 
verts. But  the  city  and  temple  being  laid  in  a 
state  of  desolation,  the  Jews  dispersed  them- 


400  A    BRIEF    ENUMERATION 

selves  into  various  countries,  and  the  Gentiles 
were  not  only  admitted  members  of  the  church, 
but  even  advanced  to  the  episcopal  chair.  The 
first  of  these  were, 

16.  Marcus,  8 

17.  Cassianus,  8 

18.  Publius,  5 

19.  MaJ^imus,  4 

20.  Julianus,  2 

21.  Caianus,  3 

22.  Symmachus,  2 

24.  Julianus,  4 

25.  Elias,   2.     Though  omitted  by  Eusebius,  this 

bishop  is  recorded  by  Nicephorus  of  Constan- 
tinople 

26.  Capito,  4 

27.  Maximus,  4 

28.  Antoninus,  5 

29.  Valens,  3 

30.  Dulichianus,  2 

3 1.  Narcissus,  4 

32.  Dius,  8 

33.  Germanio,  4 

34.  Gordius,  5 

35.  Alexander,  15 
56.   Mazabenes,  9 

37.  Hymenaeus,  23 

38.  Zabdas,  10 

39.  Hermon,  9 

40.  Macarius,  ordained  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  315. 

Nicephorus  of  Constantinople  says,  he  presid- 
ed 20  years,  but  St.  Hierom  allows  a  much 
longer  time. 


OF    THE    APOSTLES,    &C.  401 


BYZANTIUM,  afterwards  called  CON- 
STANTINOPLE. 

This  church  was  established  by  St.  Andrew. 

1.  St.  Andrew,  the  Apostle 

2.  Stachys,  16  years 

3.  Onesimus,   14 

4.  Polycarpus,  17 

5.  Plutarchus,   16 

6.  Sedecio,  19 

7.  Diogenes,   15.     The  three  latter  are  not  menti« 

oned  by  Nicephorus  of  Constantinople,  but  they 
are  recorded  by  Nicephorus  Callistus 

8.  Eleutherus,  7 

9.  Felix,  5 

10.  Polycarpus,  17 

11.  Athenodorus,  4 

13.  Euzoius,  16  ;  though  Nicephorus  Callistus  says 
only  6 

13.  Laurentius,  11  years  and  6  months 

14.  Alypius,   13 

15.  Pertinax,  19;  but  Nicephorus  reduces  his  time 

to  9 

16.  Olympianus,    11 

17.  Marcus,  13 

18.  Cyriacus,  or  Cyrillianus,   16 

19.  Constantinus,  7 

20.  Titus,  35  years  and  6  months,  but  Nicephorus 
Callistus  says  57  years 

21.  Demetrius,  21  years  and  6  months. 

22.  Probus,  12 

YOL.    II.  3  c 


402  A    BRIEF   ENUMERATION 

23.  Metrophanes,    10.     During  his  government  of 

the  church,  Constantine  removed  the  Imperial 
Court  to  this  place,  which  he  made  the  seat 
of  his  government,  calling  it  by  his  own  name 

24.  Alexander,  23 


OF    THE    APOSTLES,    &C.  403 


ALEXANDRIA. 

The  foundation  of  this  church  was  established,  and 
a  great  part  of  its  superstructure  raised  by  St. 
Mark.  Though  not  strictly  an  apostle,  yet  being 
an  Apostle  at  large,  and  receiving  his  commission 
immediately  from  St.  Peter,  the  church  of  Alex- 
andria received  the  honor  of  being  admitted  among 
the  apostolical  number. 

1.  St.   Mark  the  Evangelist,  who,  according  to  Ni- 

cephorus  of  Constantinople,  presided   2  years 

2.  Anianus,  22 

3.  Avilius,   12  or  13 

4.  Cerdo,   10,  or,  as  Eusebius  says,   11 

5.  Primus,   12 

6.  Justus,  or  Justinus,   10 

7.  Eumenes,   10;   or,  according  to  Eusebius,  13. — 

St.  Jerome  calls  him   Hymenaeus 

8.  Marcus,  or    Marcianus,    13  ;    or,  as   Eusebius 

says,   10 

9.  Celadion,   10  ;   or,  as  Eusebius  says,  14 

10.  Agrippinus,   14,  or  12 

11.  Julianus,   15,  or   10 

12.  Demetrius,  21,  or,  as  Eusebius,  with  greater  pro- 

bability, says,  43.  He  was  a  man  of  great  pie- 
ty, and  labored  under  many  troubles,  during 
the  persecution  at  Alexander. 

13.  Heraclas,  was,   upon  the   decease  of  Demetrius, 

advanced  to  the  government  of  the  church,  over 
which  he  presided  16  years  ;  though  Nicephorus 
of  Constantinople,  probably  mistaking  Hera- 
clas for  his  predecessor,  say  he  governed  the 
church  43  years. 

14.  Dionysius,  17.     In  the  persecution  under  Deci- 

us,  he  went  first  to  Taposiris,  a  small  town  be- 


404  A    BRIEF   ENUMERATION,    &C. 

tween  Alexandria  and  Canopus ;  then  to  Ce- 
phro,  and  afterwards  to  other  places  in  the  de- 
serts of  Lybia.  He  died  in  the  twelfth  year  of 
the  Emperor  Gallienus. 

15.  Maximus,  according  to  the  computation  of  Euse- 

bius,  presided  18  years  ;  but  Nicephorus  of 
Constantinople  assigns  only  8 

16.  Theonas,    17,   or,  according  to  St.  Jerome's  ver- 

sion of  Eusebius,  19 

17.  Petrus,  12.     He  assumed  the  dignity  three  years 

before  the  last  persecution,  in  the  ninth  year  of 
which  he  purchased  the  croM'n  of  martyrdom 
with  the  loss  of  his  head.  Soon  after  the  death 
of  Petrus,  Constantine  the  Great  rescued  the 
church  from  the  dreadful  calamities  in  which 
it  had  been  so  long  involved,  and  established  it 
in  a  state  of  prosperous  tranquillity. 

18.  Achillas,  9,  but  Nicephorus  of  Constantinople  al- 

lows him  only  one  year. 

19.  Alexander,    23.       During    the    government     of 

Alexander,  Arius  began  more  openly  to  pro- 
mulgate his  heretical  principles  at  Alexandria  : 
in  consequence  of  which,  sentence  of  excom- 
munication was  pronounced  against  him;  and 
soon  after  being  banished  from  Alexandria,  he 
was  condemned  by  the  fathers  who  composed 
the  Nicene  council. 


0^^0m0if^i0^0m0i0i0^0¥tifi0^0i0tm0^0m0k\ 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


^^I^^¥t0¥mm0^0imi0¥'j0f0¥^0m0^0i00m0^0$0m0¥i0^0^ 


m0^0^0^^^^^^^0^^0^0s:M^m0ti0^^^t^mm0i^^0t0>i^^M0Uif^ 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


CHAPTER    I. 

Page. 

The  time  of  incarnation  of  our  blessed  Saviour  1 

The  birth  of  John  the  Baptist  predicted  2 

The  characters  of  Zacharias  and  Elizabeth  ibid. 
David  divides  the  Jewish  priesthood  into  twrenty-four 

courses  S 

l^he  angel  appears  to  Zacharias,  who  is  struck  dumb  4 

The  conception  of  John  the  Baptist  ib. 
The  salutation  of  the  angel  to  the  Virgin  Mary  6 

The  visitation  of  the  blessed  virgin  to  Elizabeth,  which 

is  returned  7 

Elizabeth  is  delivered  of  a  son  9 
Zacharias  recovers  the  use  of  the  organs  of  speech  and 

hearing  10 

The  education  of  John  the  Baptist  H 


CHAP.     II. 

Of  the  authority  of  the  scriptures  12 

Arguments  against  scepticism  ib. 

Prophecies  IS 


408  INDEX. 

Page. 
State  of  the  Roman  empire  at  the  nativity  of  our  Savi- 
our 14 
The  Sibylline  oracles                                                          15 
Description  of  the  holy  land                                              18 

CHAP.     III. 

The  pregnancy  of  Mary  discovered  to  Joseph,  who  pro- 
poses to  repudiate  her,  but  declines  that  resolution  in 
consequence  of  a  dream  26 

The  decree  of  Augustus  •  27 

Joseph  and  Mary  repair  to  Bethlehem  28 

The  birth  of  our  Blessed  Saviour  ib. 

,  The  angels  appear  to  the  Shepherds,  who  go  to  Bethlehem, 

and  worship  the  heavenly  infant  29 

The  circumcision  of  Jesus  and  the  appearance  of  the  star 

in  the  East  30 

The  wise  men  repairing  to  Jerusalem,  are  examined  by 
Herod,  after  which  they  pursue  their  journey  to  Bethle- 
hem, where  they  pay  adoration  to  the  Messiah,  and  pre- 
sent to  him  myrrh,  gold,  and  frankincense.  31 


CHAP.     IV. 

The  uncertainty  of  the  particular  day  of  Christ's  nativity  33 
Remarks  on  the  decree  of  Augustus,  and  a  description  of 

the  Roman  empire  34 

Time  occupied  in  making  the  survey  mentioned  by  St. 

Luke  35 

Account  of  the  Jewish  shepherds  ib. 

The  city  of  Bethlehem,  the  cave  of  nativity,  convents, 

chapel  of  the  manger,  and  grotto  of  the  blessed  Virgin ; 

chapels  of  St.  Jerome,  St.  Paula,  and  Eustochium  36 
The  field  of  the  shepherds  38 

Solomon's  pools,  gardens  and  fountains.  40 


INDEX.  409 


CHAP.     V. 


Page. 
The  genealogy  of  Jesus  Christ  41 

The  line  of  the  Virgin  Mary  included  in  that  of  Joseph   48 
Reasons  for  the  rejection  of  Cainaa  and  other  names  in  the 
catalogue  of  St.  Luke  34 


CHAP.     VI. 

Institutions  relating  to  the  presentation  of  the  first-born,  and 

the  purification  of  women  56 

Joseph  and  Mary  repair  to  Jerusalem  37 

Simeon  takes  Jesus  in  his  arms,  and  praises  God  58 

Account  of  the  prophetess  Anna  59 

In  consequence  of  a  vision,  Joseph  and  Mary  convey  Jesus 

into  I*"gypt  GO 

Massacre  of  the  children  of  Bethlehem  61 

Upon  the  decease  of  Herod,  Joseph  returns  to  Nazareth  62 
Infant  state  of  our  Saviour  ib. 

He  accompanies  Joseph  and  Mary  to  Jerusalem,  whence 
they  depart  without  him,  and  afterwards  find  him  in 
the  temple,  engaged  in  dispute  with  the  doctors  63 

The  humiUty  of  Christ  towards  Joseph  and  Mary  67 

Proofs  that  Christ  followed  the  occupation  of  Joseph         68 


CHAP.     VII. 

Of  the  name  of  the  blessed  Virgin  70 

Her  parents  and  nativity  71 

Her  education  and  nuptials  79 

Her  virfiiuity  after  marriage,  and  her  annunciation  i^. 

That  Mary  was  with  jesus  at  Cana,  and  other  places  -  74 
The  death  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  revelation  concerning 

her  77 

Of  the  jK'rpetual  virginity  of  the  mother  of  Jesus  78 

Her  assun;ption.  *.  ib, 

VOL.     II.  3  D 


410  INDEX. 


CHAP.  vm. 

Page. 
The  commencement  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  80 

The  character  and  commission  of  John;  and  the  substance 

of  his  doctrme  81 

Great  multitudes  of  people  resort  to  John  from  Galilee 

and  the  different  parts  of  Judea,  and  are  baptized  by 

him  8S 

The  discourses  of  John  to  the  Pharisees,  the  publicans, 

and  the  soldiers  '  84 

John  declares  that  he  is  not  the  Messiah.  87 


CHAP.  IX. 

Preliminary  Rules  for  elucidating  the  history  of  our  Savi- 
our's public  ministry,  from  the  time  of  his  baptism  to  the 
time  of  his  crucifixion  90 


CHAP.  X. 

The  baptism  of  our  blessed  Redeemer  102 

The  visible  descent  of  the  Holy   Spirit;  and  the  voice  of 

the  Almighty  heard  from  the  heavens  103 

Christ  goes  into  the  desart,  where  he  remains  forty  days 
and  forty  nights,  without  receiving  any  kind  of  nutri- 
ment 104 
The  several  efforts  of  Satan  to  tempt  our  Saviour                 105 
Satan  is  rebuked  and  repulsed  by  Christ,  who  afterwards 

returns  from  the  desart  ib. 

The  several  testimonies  of  John  concerning  our  Saviour     107 


CHAP.  XI. 

The  calling  of  Andrew  and  another  of  the  disciples  of  John 
the  Baptist  117 


INDEX.  411 

Page. 

The  calling  of  Peter  and  of  Philip  118 

The  conversation  of  our  Saviour  with  Philip  119 

Christ  is  invited  to  a   marriage  feast  at  Cana,  where  he 

changes  water  into  wine  120 


CHAP.  XII. 

The  prophaners  of  the  temple  expelled  by  Christ  123 

His  discourse  with  the  Jews  on  the  subject  ot  the  expulsion 
of  the  traders  from  the  temple,  and  the  prophecy  of  his 
resurrection  124 

The  lessons  of  our  blessed  Saviour  to  Nicodemus,  wherein 
he  explains  the  purpose  of  his  incarnation  125 

Christ  departs  from  Jerusalem,  and  baptizes  such  Jews 
as  resort  toWim  for  that  purpose  129 

John  continues  to  administer  baptism  atyEnon  130 

A  controversy  between  some  of  the  disciples  of  John  and 
the  Jews,  concerning  the  baptism  practised  by  our  Lord 
and  his  forerunner  ib. 

The  disciples  reproved  by  John,  who  bears  testimony  in 
the  divinity  of  Christ,  and  teaches  the  necessity  of  taith 
in  him,  as  the  means  of  eternal  salvation  131 

John  reprimands  Herod  for  having  contracted  an  incestu- 
ous alliance  with  Herodias,  the  wife  of  his  brother, 
Herod  Philip,  and  the  daughter  of  Aristobulus,  the 
Itrother  of  both,  in  consequence  of  which  the  Baptist  is 
thrown  into  prison  132 


CHAP.  XIII. 

A  resolution  formed  at  a  consultation  of  the  Pharisees,  and 
intelligence  of  the  imprisonment  of  John  being  commu- 
nicated to  Jesus,  he  departs  from  Judea  towards  Ga- 
lilee. 134 

In  the  course  cf  his  journey  he  meets  a  woman  of  Sama- 
ria, with  whotn  he  discourses  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  under 
the  similitude  of  living  water  135 

He  informs  the  woman  of  the  sie.cret  circumstances  of  her 
life,  and  explains  to  her  the  nature  of  the  true  worship 
of  God  135 


412  isruEX. 

Page. 

Christ  acknowledges  himself  to  be  the  Messiah  137 

The  Samaritan  woman  calls  her  neighbors  to  Jesus,   and 
they  believe  in  his  doctrines  13d 


CHAP.  XIV. 

Christ  proceeds  into  Galilee,  where  he  preaches  the  gospel 
with  great  success  141 

He  performs  a  miraculous  cure  upon  the  son  of  a  noble- 
man of  Capernaum  142 

He  preaches  in  the  synagogue  at  Nazareth,  where  he  be- 
comes the  object  of  popular  admiration:  but  upon  re- 
proaching the  Nazaienes  with  infidelity,  they  are  exas- 
perated against  him,  and  endeavor  to  throw  him  from  a 
precipice  ib. 

He  enforces  the  necessity  of  repentance  to  the  people  of 
Galilee  144 


CHAP.  XV. 

Christ  relieves  a  person  possessed  of  a  demon  147 

At  the  instance  of  Peter  and  Andrew,  he  cures  the  mo- 
ther-in-law of  the  former,  of  a  fever  ib. 
Great  numbers  of  diseased  persons  repair  to  Jesus,  and  are 

restored  148 

Having  fervently  prayed  to  his  heavenly  Father,  Jesus  con- 
tinues to  preach  the  gospel  ih. 
The  miraculous  draught  of  fishes                                           150 
The  calling  of  Jamesand  John  ih. 
Jesus  restores  a  leper  to  health                                                 131 
Christ  returns  to  Capernaum,  where  he  performs  a  wonder- 
ful cure  upon  a  paralytic                                                  153 


CHAP.  XVI. 

The  calling  of  Matthew  156 

The  reason  of  the  conversation  of  Jesus  with  the  publican  156 
The  similitudes  and  reasons  of  our  Saviour,  explaining  why 


INDEX.  413 

Page 
he  did  not  exact  from  his  disciples  severities  equal  to 
those  endured  by  the  disciples  of  John  and  the  Pharisees  150 

Christ  performs  a  niiraculous  cure  at  the  pool  of  Bethesda  157 

The  Pharisees  are  exasperated  against  Jesus,  and  accuse 
him  of  violating,'  the  s<ibbath  159 

Our  Saviour  proclaims  himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  the 
object  of  divine  Avorship,  and  the  future  judge  of  man- 
kind 161 

He  appeals  to  John  for  a  confirmation  of  his  divinity  ;  and 
to  the  miracles  he  had  wrought  as  well  as  to  the  scrip-  ^ 
tural  writings  »i. 

Christ  re|)roves  the  Pharisees  for  their  unbelief  in  him,  and 
asserts  that  tliey  shall  be  proved  guilty  by  the  writings 
of  Moses  16^ 


CHAP.  XVII. 

The  disciples  of  Jesus  gather  some  ears  of  corn  to  appease 
thf'ir  hunger,  on  the  sabbath,  and  are  accused  of  profa- 
nation by   the  Pharisees  164 

Our  Lord  excuses  his  disciples,  and  instances  the  cases  of 
David  and  ihe  priests  ih. 

He  reasons  on  the  use  of  the  sabbath,  exposes  the  futility 
of  the  observations  of  the  Pharisees,  and  performs  a 
wonderful  cure  166 

To  avoid  the  malice  of  the  Pharisees,  our  Saviour  embarks 
on  the  lake  of  Gennesareth  167 

fie  cures  v.irious  diseases,  and  relieves  persons  possessed 
with  demons  ib. 

Application  of  a  prophecy  of  Isaiah  to  our  blessed  Saviour  168 


CHAP.     XVIII. 

After  fervently  praying  to  the  Almighty  during  a  whole 
night,  the  blesstd  Jesus  appoints  the  twelve  a|X)stles      16P 

Accompanied  by  the  apostles,  he  repairs  into  the  plains, 
and  from  thence  proceeds  to  Capernaum  170 

He  asceuds  a  mountain,  and  in  the  course  of  a  most  admi- 
ral)le  siriiion,  pronounces  the  eight  beatitudes  171 

The  character  aud  duty  of  the  disciples  of  Christ  174 


414  INDEX. 

Page. 
That  he  came  to  fulfil  the  law  175 

Of  murder,  unprovoked  anger,  reconciliation,  adultery, 
lust,  divorce,  perjury,  profane  swearing,  retaliation,  love 
•  to  our  enemies,  charity,  prayer,  the  Lord's  prayer,  fast- 
ing, love  of  riches,  worldly  care,  judging  others,  bimd 
guides,  the  prostitution  of  holy  things,  efficacy  of  prayer, 
doing  as  we  would  be  done  by,  the  strait  and  wide  gates, 
fallacious  teachers,  and  unsound  professors  of  religion      ib. 


CHAP.     XIX. 

Our  Saviour  descends  from  the  mountain,  and  proceeds  to 
Capernaum  186 

He  performs  a  miraculous  cure  upon  the  servant  of  a  cen- 
turion \S7 

Jesus  restores  to  life  the  son  of  a  widow  .  188 

John  sends  his  disciples  to  Christ,  who  addresses  the  peo- 
ple concerning  the  Baptist  189 

Jesus  reproaches  the  inhabitants  of  the  cities  of  Chorazin, 
Bethsaida,  and  Capernaam,  for  their  want  of  faith  in 
him  192 


CHAP.     XX. 

Christ  accepts  an  invitation  to  the  house  of  Simon,  the 
Pharisee  194 

The  feet  of  our  Saviour  anointed  by  a  repentant  woman    ih. 

Jesus  proposes  a  question  to  the  Pharisee,  and  receives  an- 
answer,  which  he  applies  to  the  case  of  the  Avoman, 
whose  sins  he  pardons  19^- 

Christ  continues  his  progress  through  Judea,  accompanied 
by  his  twelve  apostles,  together  with  Mary  INIagdalene, 
and  several  other  women  on  whom  he  had  wrought  mi- 
racles 196 

Jesus  performs  a  wonderful  cure,  in  consequence  of  which 
he  is  wickedly  traduced  by  the  Pharisees  197 

Our  Saviour  delivers  certain  similitudes,  and  deduces  argu- 
ments therefrom  ib. 


INDEX.  415 

Page. 

He  reproves  the  Pharisees,  and  refuses  to  give  them  a  de- 
monstration of  his  power  to  perform  miracles  200 

The  Virgin  Mary  repairs  to  .lesus,  on  occasion  of  which  he 
says,  all  who  live  accordmg  to  the  rules  of  his  gospel, 
are  related  to  him  in  a  spiritual  sense  201 


CHAP.     XXI. 

In  order  to  avoid  the  inconvenience  of  being  surrounded  by 
a  vast  number  of  people,  Christ  goes  into  a  boat,  and 
preaches  to  the  multitude  203 

He  compares  hi»j  preaching  the  gospel  to  a  man  employed 
in  sowing  seed  ib. 

Jesus  explains  to  his  disciples,  the  reason  of  his  using  simi- 
litudes 204 

He  explains  the  parable  of  the  man  sowing  of  seeds,  and 
after  illus*^rating  what  he  had  said  on  that  subject,  he  de- 
livers a  caution  to  his  disciples.  20(5 

Christ  delivers  several  parables  concerning  the  gospel         207 

Why  he  gave  instructions  in  a  figurative  stile  20f) 

Our  Lord's  explanation  of  the  parable  of  the  tares  ib. 

He  delivers  other  parables,  and  leaves  the  country  210 


CHAP.     XXII. 

Our  Saviour  crosses  the  lake  of  Gennesareth,  and  gives  an 
answer  to  a  lawyer,  who  proposed  to  accompany  him     213 

He  obviates  the  excuse  of  a  person  who  desired  to  be  ad- 
mitted among  the  number  of  his  disciples,  on  condition 
of  remaining  at  home  till  after  the  decease  of  his  aged 
father  214 

He  appeases  a  violent  storm,  and  reproves  his  disciples  for 
a  want  of  confidence  in  him  215 

Meeting  two  men  possessed  with  evil  spirits,  they  request 
that  Christ  will  not  torture  them  216 

He  depossesses  the  demoniacs,  and  sufi'ers  the  evil  spirits 
to  enter  into  a  herd  of  swine  217 

The  swineherds    publish  the    news ;    in    consequence   of 


416 


INDEX. 


Page, 
which,  the  people  of  Gadara  request  Jesus  to  evacuate 
their  country  /6, 

Christ  re-embarks  for  Capernaum,  and  the  demoniacs  pub- 
lish the  fame  of  his  miracles  ib. 

Upon  his  return,  Jesus  is  met  by  a  vast  concourse  of  peo- 
ple on  the  banks  of  the  lake  of  Gennasareth  218 

The  ruler  of  the  synagogue  solicits  Christ  to  restore  his 
daughter  to  health  ?7,. 

In  his  way  to  the  ruler's  house,  Christ  meets  a  woman, 
whose  afflictions  are  removed  by  her  touching  his  gar- 
ment /5, 

Intelligence  is  brought  of  the  decease  of  the  daughter  of 
the  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  and  Jesus  repairs  to  the 
house,  and  restores  her  to  life  219 

Christ  relieves  two  men  afflicted  with  blindness,  and  heals 
a  demoniac  220 


CHAP.     XXIII. 

Our  Saviour  repairs  to  Nazareth,  and  is  again  treated  with 
contempt  by  his  countrymen  223 

He  continues  his  progress  through  Galilee  224 

Christ  determines  to  send  forth  his  apostles,  and  according- 
ly gives  instructions  for  the  regulation  of  their  holy  mi- 
nistry, and  invests  them  with  the  power  of  working  mi- 
racles ib. 

The  apostles  separate,  and  proceed  to  exercise  their  mi- 
nistry 229 


CHAP.     XXIV. 

The  return  of  the  apostles  of  Christ  237 

Our  Saviour  crosses  the  lake,  and  is  followed  by  great  mul- 
titudes of  people  238 

He  feeds  five  thousand  men,  exclusive  of  women  and  chil- 
dren, wilh  only  five  loaves,  and  two  small  fishes  239 

Jesus  commands  his  apostles  to  cross  the  lake,  and  in  their 
passage  they  meet  a  dreadful  storm  242 

Christ  walks  upon  the  surface  of  the  sea  towards  the  ves- 
sel in  which  were  the  apostles  ih. 


INDEX.  417 

Page. 

At  the  command  of  Jesus,  the  apostle  Peter  walks  upon 
the  waters  243 

Christ  aj)peases  the  tempest, and  the  apostles  proclaim  him 
the  Son  of  God  ''^• 

Our  Lord  disembarks  and  proceeds  to  Capernaum,  follow- 
ed by  a  great  concourse  of  people,  among  whom  he 
performs  divers  cures  '"• 

Upon  their  requiring  of  him  a  miracle,  Jesus  addresses  the 
multitude  in  a  mystical  discourse  concerning  his  own 
body  and  blood  247 

A  contention  arises  among  the  people  with  regard  to  what 
Jesus  had  said  24S 

Our  Lord  pursues  his  allegorical  discourse  ib- 

The  obscurity  of  his  doctrine  offends  the  auditors  of  Christ, 
who  reproves  his  apostles,  in  consequence  of  their  hav- 
ing murmured  at  his  discourse  249 

Several  of  his  followers  having  left  him,  our  Lord  asks  his 
disciples,  whether  they  will  desert  him  also  2.50 

Jesus  hints  at  the  treachery  of  Judas  Iscariot  ib. 


CHAP.     XXV. 

Our  Saviour  goes  to  Jerusarem  to  celebrate  the  passover    252 

The  superstition  of  the  Pharisees  severely  reproved  by 
Christ  253 

He  discourses  to  the  people  on. the  subject  of  inward  im- 
purity, and  predicts  the  abrogation  of  the  ceremonials 
of  the  Jewish  religion  254 

He  explains  to  his  apostles  what  he  had  said  to  the  mul- 
titude 255 

He  relieves  the  daughter  of  a  Syrophcenician  woman         25() 

Christ  repairs  to  Decapolis,  and  cures  a  person  who  was 
deaf  and  dumb  258 

Our  blessed  Saviour  feeds  four  thousand  men,  and  a  great 
number  of  women  and  children,  by  the  multiplication 
of  seven  loaves  and  a  few  fishes;  after  which  he  goes 
to  Dalmanutha,  and  reproaches  the  Pharisees  and  Sad- 
ducees  2(50 

Jesus  cautions  his  disciples,  and  reproves  them  on  account 
of  their  not  understanding  his  meaning  262 

At  Bethsaida  Jesus  cures  a  man  afTlicted  with  blindness   263 

VOL.     II.  3      JB 


418  '  INDEX. 

Page. 

Being  on  the  road  to  C^sarea  Philippi,  Jesus  questions  his 
disciples  as  to  the  manner  in  which  the  people  speak  of 
hun,  and  also  concerning  their  own  opinions.  ib. 

He  approves  the  reply  of  Peter,  and  promises  that  his 
fidelity  and  fortitude  shall  be  rewarded  by  the  blessings 
of  futurity  264 

Jesus  predicts  his  sufferings  and  death,  and  rebukes  the 
rashness  of  Peter  266 

He  delivers  instructions  to  the  multitude,  and  predicts  the 
tail  of  Jerusalem  ib. 


CHAP.     XXVI. 

Description  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  temple,  with  the  seve- 
ral revolutions  of  that  remrj-kable  city  and  building        268 
The  modern  state  of  Jerusalem  §71 

Account  of  the  church  of  the  holy  sepulchre  3§3 

The  sepulchres  of  the  kings  320 

The  function  of  the  holy  fire  327 

Account  of  St.  Peter's  prison,  St.  Mark's  church,  the  house 

of  Annas  and  Caiaphas,  the  church  of  Coenaculum,  &c.  328 
The  pool  of  Bathsheba,  the  Potter's-field,  valley  of  Jeho" 
saphat,  brook  Cedion,  pool  of  Siloam,  pillar  of  judg- 
ment, sepulchre  of  the  blessed  Virgin,  the  vaults  of  the 
apostles,  mount  Olivet,  the  chapel  of  ascension,  the  pa- 
lace of  Pilate  330 
Description  of  the  cities  of  Cana  and  Capernaum  336 
Some  account  of  Beer;  with  remarks  on  the  country  of 
Palestine  338 


CHAP.     XXVII. 

The  transfiguration  of  our  blessed  Saviour  341 

He  converses  with  Moses  and  Elias  342 

A  voice  heard  from  the  heavens  ib. 

Our  Saviour  descends  from  the  mountain,  and  discourses 

to  his  apostles  concerning  Elias  343 

He  restores  a  youth  possessed  with  an  evil  spirit                 ib. 


INDEX.  419 


Page 


Our  Lord  repairs  to  Galilee,  and  addresses  his  apostles  on 
the  subject  of  his  sutlerings  and  resurrection  34G 

Jesus  goes  to  Capernaum,  and  empowers  Peter  to  work 
a  miracle,  in  order  to  pay  the  tribute-money  ib. 

He  reproves  his  apostles,  enforcing  to  them  the  doctrine 
of  humility,  by  proposing  to  them  the  example  of  a 
littK^  child  348 

He  discourses  on  the  subject  of  offences,  and  the  necessi- 
ty of  a  rigid  adherence  to  the  truth  349 

He  compares  his  disciples  to  salt  351 

Christ  prescribes  to  his  apostles  rules  for  the  regulation  of 
their  conduct,  and  rehearses  the  parable  of  the  lost 
sheep  ib. 

Our  Lord  inculcates  the  duty  of  forgivness,  and  menti- 
ons the  example  of  a  king  and  one  of  his  subjects  354 


CHAP.     XXVIII. 

On  occasion  of  the  feast  of  tabernacles,  Jesus  repairs  pri- 
vately to  Jerusalem  362 

On  his  journey  he  is  refused  lodging  and  entertainment  by 
the  Samaritans  363 

Our  Saviour  appoints  seventy  disciples,  and  after  deliver- 
ing to  them  instructions  for  the  regulation  of  their  con- 
duct, he  sends  them  to  ditlerent  parts  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel 3G4 

He  pronounces  a  malediction  against  several  cities,  and  far- 
ther discourses  to  his  disciples  365 

The  Jews  seek  for  Jesus,  who  appears  in  vindication  of 
himself  366 

Our  Lord  justifies  himself  with  respect  to  a  cure  he  had 
performed  on  tlje  sabbath-day  368 

Christ  declares  his  mission  from  his  Father  ib. 

'i'he  rulers  endeavor  to  apprehend  Jesus,  and  he  informs 
them  that  his  time  is  not  come  370 

Christ  invites  the  people  to  embrace  his  doctrines  371 

Various  opinions  concerning  Jesus,  who  becomes  the  sub- 
ject of  consultation  in  the  Sanhedrim,  or  grand  council 
of  the  Jewish  nation  ^  372 

The  judgment  of  Christ  concerning  a  Woman  detected  in 
adultery  374 


420  INDEX. 

Page. 

He  vindicates  his  own  testimony  concerning  himself         375 

Our  Lord  declares  that  the  Jews  are  strangers  both  to  him 
and  his  heavenly  Father  370 

He  gives  an  intimation  of  his  speedy  departure,  but  they 
mistake  his  meaning  ib. 

He  reproves  the  people,  declaring  them  to  be  slaves,  and 
that  he  alone  has  power  of  giving  them  liberty  379 

He  proposes  for  their  imitation  the  example  of  Abraham ; 
and  declares  that  they  cannot  be  imitators  of  God,  be- 
cause they  do  not  repose  faith  in  him  ib. 

Our  Lord  defends  himself  against  the  slanderous  imputa- 
tions of  the  Jews  "  381 

Proofs  that  Abraham  foresaw  the  appearance  of  Christ       384 

The  Jews  are  otiended  at  Christ  385 

Jesus  cures  a  man  who  had  been  born  blind,  and  who  being 
examined  by  the  Sanhedrim,  persists  in  ascribing  his 
cure  to  Christ  385 

Our  Saviour  effects  the  conversion  of  the  man  who  had  been 
born  blind,  and  delivers  instructions  to  the  multitude      392 

Different  opinions  of  the  Jews  401 


CHAP.     XXIX. 

The  return  of  the  seventy  disciples,  with  vv^hom  our  Lord 

discourses  concerning  the  extent  of  their  pow'er  403 

Jesus  gives  thanks  to  his  heavenly  Father,  for  the  success 

that  had  attended  the  ministry  of  his  seventy  disciples  404 
Our  Saviour  s   reply  to  a  lawyer,  who  enquired  by  what 

means  he  could  obtain  happiness  406 

The  parable  of  the  good  Samaritan  ib. 

Our  Lord  applies  the  parable  to  the  question  proposed  by 

the  lawyer  408 

Jesus  repairs  to  Bethany:  he  reproves  Martha,  and  com- 
mends Mary  409 
The  instructions  of  Jesus  concerning  prayer  410 
In  order  to  encourage  his  disciples,  he  delivers  to  them  se- 
veral similitudes  411 
Jesus  exhorts  his  auditors  against  treating  his  gospel  with 

indillerence  ib. 

Our  Saviour  refuses  to  shew  the  Jews  a  miracle  414 


INDEX.  421 

Page. 
He  discourses  of  inward  defilement,  at  the  house  of  a  Pha- 
risee 418 
Our  Lord  censures  the  Scrihes  and  Pharisees,  who  are  en- 
raged against  him  420 
He  exhorts'  the  people  to  avoid  the  practice  of  hypocrisy, 

and  delivers  an  encouraging  discourse  to  his  apostles    421 
Of  adhering  to  the  gospel,  and  concerning  the  sin  against 

the  Holy  Ghost  423 

Our  Saviour  refuses  to  pronounce  judgment  on  a  contro- 
versy relating  to  private  property  424 
Parable  of  a  rich  man  425 
Exhortations  against  the  vice  of  avarice  426 
Of  treasure  in  heaven  4g7 
The  duty  of  watchfulness  429 
A  similitude  concerning  a  nobleman  and  one  of  his  domes- 
tics 430 
Jesus  mentions  what  will  prove  the  effects  of  his  gospel  432 
His  discourses  to  the  people  433 
That  worldly  calamities  attack  some  men,  though  there 

are  others  more  wicked  435 

The  parable  of  the  fig-tree  ib. 

Our  Lord  restores  a  woman  to  health,  who  had  been  long 

possessed  with  an  evil  spirit  437 

Similitudes  concerning  the  kingdom  of  heaven  438 

That  the  blessings  of  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  not  be  con- 
fined to  the  Jews  alone  439 
Jesus  is  warned  to  depart,  in  order  to  avoid  the  rage  of 

Herod  440 

Our  Saviour's  reply  concerning  Herod,  and  his  lamenta- 
tions over  the  city  of  Jerusalem  441 


CHAP.     XXX. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  is  invited  to  dine  with  one  of  the  Pha 

risees  443 

On  his  way  to  the  house  of  the  Pharisee,  he  cures  a  man 

afflicted  with  the  dropsy  444 

Our  Lord  justifies  his    conduct  in  having  performed  this 

cure  on  the  sabbath-day  445 

He  reproves  the  persons  present  at  the  entertainment,  on 

account  of  their  contending  for  the  uppermost  place        ?7;. 


422  ,  INDEX. 

Page. 
The  parable  of  the  feast,  where  those  who  had  been  invited 

did  not  attend  446 

The  profession  of  the  gospel  to  be  preferred  to  all  worldly 

considerations  ib. 

Similitudes  respecting  those  who    profess  the  gospel   of 

Christ  448 

Parables  of  the  sheep,  and  of  the  money  that  were  lost    450 
Parable  of  the  prodigal  son  452 

Our  Saviour  rebukes   the  Pharisees  for  their  avarice  and 

hypocricy  460 

The  sanctity  of  the  gospel  superior  to  the  law  461 

The   parable  of  tie  rich  man  and  Lazarus,  delivered  as  a 

caution  against  the  abuse  of  riches  462 

Concerning  offences,  and  the  forgivness  of  them  463 

Of  the  increase  of  faith,  and  of  unprofitable  servants  465 

In  his  way  to  Jerusalem,  our  Saviour  cures  ten  lepers  466 

Of  the   establishment  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  the 

judgment  of  God  upon  the  Jews  460 

The  parable  of  the  unjust  judge,  and  the  importunate  wi- 
dow 471 
The  parable  of  the  Pharisee  and  the  publican,  who  prayed 

at  the  same  time  in  the  temple  478 

Our  Saviour  arrives  at  Jerusalem  at  the  time  of  the  feast 

of  dedication,  and  discourses  to  the  multitude  474 

The  Jews  endeavor  to  stone  Jesus ;  but  he  disappoints  their 

malice  475 


VOLUME    11. 


CHAP.     XXXI. 


Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  feast  of  dedication,  Jesus  re- 
turns into  Galilee,  followed  by  a  great  concourse  of 
people  G 


INDEX.  42.'j 

Page. 
Jesus  declares  divorce  to  be  unlawful;  and  mentions  why 

it  was  permitted  by  Moses  ib. 

His  explanation  of  what  he  had  said  7 

Our  Saviour  receives,  and  blesses  little  infants  9 

He  replies  to  a  young  man,  who  enquired  the  way  to  eter- 
nal life  ?*• 
Riches  an  obstruction  in  the  pursuit  of  happiness  10 
Jesus  promises  to  reward  his  apostles                                      12 
A  similitude  of  a  man  hiring  people  to  labor  in  his  vine- 
yard 1* 
Lazarus  of  Bethany  is  seized  with  a  violent  illness,  and  Je- 
sus informed  of  that  event  16 
He  informs  his  disciples  that  Lazarus  is  dead  10 
Jesus  repairs  to  Bethany,  where  he  is  met  by  Martha,  Ma- 
ry, and  a  number  of  the  Jews  ih. 
Our  Saviour  weeps                                                                     120 
The  resurrection  of  Lazarus  21 
A  consultation  in  the  Sanhedrim  26' 
The  prophetical  opinion  of  Caiaphas  the  high-priest  27 
The  Sanhedrim  resolve  to  put  Jesus  to  death;  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  he  retires  towards  the  wilderness  of 
Jericho                                                                                    28 


CHAP.     XXXIL 

Upon  the  approach  of  the  passover,  our  blessed  Saviour 
departs  from  the  desert  near  Jericho,  and  repaire  to  Je- 
rusalem 35 

Duruig  his  journey,  he  predicts  to  his  apostles  the  circum- 
stances of  his  condemnation,  death,  crucifixion,  and  re- 
surrection 33 

He  mstructs  his  apostles,  as  to  the  manner  in  which  they 
shall  regulate  their  conduct  34 

Jesus  cures  two  blind  beggars,  and  holds  a  conversation 
with  Zaccheus  the  publican  Sb 

The  parable  of  the  talents  38 

In  consequence  of  a  proclamation  issued  by  the  Sanhe- 
drim, the  Jews  endeavor  to  apprehend  Jesus  40 

He  repairs  to  Bethany,  where  his  feet  are  anointed  by  the 
pious  Mary  41 

He  replies  to  an  objection  advanced  by  Judas  f&. 


424  INDEX. 

Page. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  rides  towards  Jerusalem  upon  an  ass, 
amidst  the  acclamations  of  an  immense  concourse  of 
people  46 

The  conduct  of  Jesus  excites  the  rage  of  the  Pharisees        47 

The  advice  of  the  Pharisees  to  the  Sanhedrim  ib. 

The  lamentations  of  our  blessed  Saviour  over  the  city  of 
Jerusalem  48 

Jesus  enters  Jerusalem,  and  a  second  time  expels  the  tra- 
ders from  the  temple  49 

Persons  afflicted  with  various  diseases  are  brought  to  Jesus, 
in  order  to  be  restored  to  health  50 

The  priests  interrogate  him,.and  he  answers  their  questions  ib. 

The  curiosity  of  some  Greeks  to  behold  Jesus  51 

His  discourse  to  the  multitude  on  the  subject  of  the  curio- 
sity of  the  Greeks  52 

The  voice  of  the  Almighty  heard  from  the  heavens  53 

Jesus  answers  to  the  enquiries  of  the  multitude,  concern- 
ing the  voice  of  the  Ahnighty  ib. 

He  discourses  to  them  on  the  subject  of  his  approaching 
dissolution  54 

Jesus  secludes  himself  from  the  society  of  men  ib. 

Some  words  of  the  prophet  Isaiah  applied  to  the  Jews        53 

Having  admonished  the  Jews  to  repose  faith  in  him,  our 
blessed  Saviour  returns  to  the  town  of  Bethany  57  ♦ 


CHAP.     XXXIII. 

In  his  way  from  Bethany  to  Jerusalem,  Jesus  curses  a 
fig-tree,  which  immediately  withers  59 

The  rulers  of  Jerusalem  conspire  to  effect  the  destruction 
of  Christ  63 

The  power  of  faith,  and  the  necessity  of  forgivness  ib. 

The  rulers  of  the  Jews  question  Jesus  as  to  the  authority 
by  which  he  had  expelled  the  traders  from  the  temple, 
and  assumed  the  privilege  of  publicly  discoursing  to  the 
people;  and  he  retorts  upon,  and  confutes  them  64 

Our  Saviour  delivers  the  parables  of  the  father  and  two 
sons,  and  of  the  vineyard  that  was  hired  by  husband- 
men 66 

Parable  of  the  wedding  supper,  and  of  the  man  who  was 
found  without  a  wedding  garment  70 


INDEX.  425 

Page. 

The  Pharisees  concert  measures  for  exposhig  Jesus  to  the 
enmity  of  the  populace,  and  send  different  people  to  ex- 
amine him  ;  but  he  exposes  the  futility  of  their  discour- 
ses '  72 

The  Sadducees  propose  a  question  to  Jesus  concerning  a 
woman  who  had  seven  husbands;  whereupon  our  Lord 
finds  occasion  of  addressing  them  on  the  subject  of  a  fu- 
ture state  73 

Our  Saviour  becomes  the  object  of  popular  admiration      76 

In  reply  to  a  question  proposed  by  a  lawyer,  Jesus  explains, 
which  is  the  most  important  precept  amongst  the  legal 
institutions;  and  he  commends  another  of  the  same  pro- 
fession, in  consequence  of  his  having  made  a  pertinent 
remark  77 

Jesus  questions  the  Pharisees  concerning  some  words  of 
David,  and  they  are  unable  to  otfer  any  reply  78 

Difterent  sects  among  the  Jews  80 


CHAP.  XXXIV. 

Our  Saviour  recommends  his  disciples  to  attend  to  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Pharisees,  but  carefully  to  avoid  an  imita- 
tion of  their  manners  94 

He  exhorts  them  to  suppress  ambitious  desires  95 

He  severely  reproaches  the  Ptiarisees,  accusing  them  of 
pertidy,  partiality,  cruelty,  and  other  heinous  crimes     9(5 

Our  Saviour  apj)lau(is  the  liberality  of  a  widow  105 

Jesus  predicts  the  destruction  of  the  temple  of  Jerusalem, 
and  the  sufferings  to  be  inflicted  upon  his  apostles  ;  and 
at  the  same  time,  exhorts  those  holy  men  not  to  dread 
the  utmost  malice  of  their  enemies  106 

Jesus  says,  that  the  persecutions  of  their  enemies  will  oc- 
casion many  of  his  disciples  to  desert  his  cause;  but 
that  the  faithful  servants  of  God  will  be  amply  reward-r 
ed  109 

Predictions  relating  to  the  destruction  of  the  city  of  Jeru- 
salem ;  and  the  misery  of  the  Jewish  nation  described     ib. 

Jesus  cautions  his  disciples  against  impostors  110 

Other  predictions  of  the  dreadful  calamities  to  be  inflicted 
upon  the  Jews  111 

Similitude  of  a  fig-tree  119 

VOL.     II.  3  I) 


426  INDEX. 

Page. 

Jesus  declares  the  truth  of  his  predictions,  and  exhorts  the 
people  to  constant  Avatchfulness  ib. 

The  suddenness  of  the  judgments  to  be  passed  upon  man- 
kind 120 

Watchfulness  and  diligence  recommended  in  a  similitude  ib. 

Parable  of  the  ten  virgins  121 

The  rewards  and  punishments  to  be  distributed  in  the  great 
day  of  judgment  125 


CHAP.  XXXV. 

Jesus  continues  to  instruct  the  people  daily  in  the  temple  160 

Two  days  preceding  the  passover,  he  predicts  his  death     ib. 

Our  Saviour  is  anointed  in  the  house  of  Simon  the  leper    161 

Judas  Iscariot,  one  of  the  twelve  apostles,  accepts  a  bribe 
from  the  Sanhedrim,  to  whom  he  engages  himself  to 
betray  his  Master  163 

In  consequence  of  their  Master's  order,  Peter  and  John 
repair  to  Jerusalem,  in  order  to  make  preparations  for 
the  passover  164 

Jesus  sups  with  his  disciples  and  during  the  entertain- 
ment, he  says,  that  one  of  them  shall  betray  him  165 

The  institution  of  the  Eucharist  166 

Jesus  takes  a  second  cup  of  wine,  and  commands  his  apos- 
tles to  share  it  among  them  172. 

The  aflection  of  our  Saviour  towards  his  apostles,  and  the 
treachery  of  Judas  177 

Jesus  exhorts  his  disciples  not  to  indulge  ambitious  pro- 
pensities, and  proposes  himself  to  them  as  an  example 
of  humility  178 

He  washes  the  feet  of  his  disciples ;  and  on  this  occasion 
holds  a  discourse  with  Peter  ISO 

Jesus  discourses  to  his  apostles  on  the  act  of  condescen- 
sion he  had  performed,  and  recommends  to  their  imita- 
tion the  example  he  had  shewn  of  humility  ib. 

Our  Saviour  is  troubled,  and  signifies  by  which  of  his  apos- 
tles he  shall  be  betrayed  182 

Judas  retires  from  the  company;  after  which  our  Lord  re- 
minds the  other  apostles  of  his  miracles ;  mentions  his 
speedy  departure  from  them  ;  and  recommends  them  to 
cherish  mutual  love  184 


INDEX.  427 

Page. 

Peter  enquires  of  his  Master,  to  what  place  he  should  re- 
tire, since  he  had  said  the  apostles  could  not  follow 
him  185 

He  forewarns  Peter,  and  predicts  the  persecution  that  his 
apostles  were  to  encounter  186 

Jesus  exhorts  his  disciples  against  despondency ;  and  in- 
forms them  that  by  a  strict  obedience  to  his  gospel,  they 
will  entitle  themselves  to  the  enjoyment  of  everlasting 
happiness  187 

He  informs  them,  that,  in  having  seen  him,  they  may  be 
considered  as  having  seen  the  Father  of  the  creation       190 

He  asserts  his  divine  authority,  and  promises  to  reward  the 
faith  of  his  disciples  191 

He  engages  to  send  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  192 

He  promises  divine  assistance  and  comfort  to  all  his  faith- 
ful folio  weis  194 

Our  blessed  Redeemer  bequeaths  peace  and  comfort  to  his 
disciples,  and  declares  the  time  to  be  approaching,  when 
he  shall  be  betrayed  into  the  power  of  his  enemies         195 


CHAP.  XXXVI. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  delivers  the  parable  of  the  vine  and 
its  branches,  thereby  recommending  the  practice  of  virtue 
to  his  apostles  197 

He  exhorts  them  to  cherish  a  mutual  affection  towards  each 
other  198 

Jesus  proposes  himself,  as  an  example  for  leaching  them 
the  virtue  of  patiently  submitting  to  the  malice  of  their 
enemies,  and  informs  them  of  the  reason  of  his  exhorta- 
tion 199 

He  consoles  them  with  assurances  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and 
explains  to  them  the  purposes  for  which  the  Spirit  will 
descend  upon  them  203 

Of  the  atfliction  which  the  apostles  were  to  experience  up- 
on the  d(;cea:>e  of  our  Saviour,  and  the  great  joy  that 
would  succeed  on  occasion  of  his  resurrection  205 

He  exhorts  his  apostles  to  pray  to  God  in  his  name  209 

He  agaui  uientious  his  going  to  the  Father,  and  predicts 
the  desertion  of  the  apostles  210 


428  INDEX. 

Page. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  addresses  liimself  in  prayer  to  his  hea- 
venly Father  in  behalf  of  himself,  his  apostles,  and  all 
who  should  in  future  believe  in  him  213 


CHAP.    XXXVII. 

Our  blessed  Saviour  crosses  the  brook  Cedron,  and  repairs 
towards  the  garden  of  Gethsemane ;  but,  previous  to 
his  arrival  there,  he  predicts  that  he  shall  be  siezed  that 
night,  and  that  his  apostles  will  desert  him  218 

The  agony  of  the  holy  Jesus  220 

Our  Saviour  departs  from  his  disciples,  and  fervently  ad- 
dresses himself  in  prayer  to  his  heavenly  Father  221 

Upon  his  return  to  his  disciples,  he  finds  them  asleep,  and 
awakens  them  ih. 

He  prays  again,  and  wakes  his  disciples  a  second  and 
a  third  time  ib. 

Judas  enters  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  at  the  head  of  a 
party  of  soldiers,  who  take  Jesus  into  custody  223 

Peter  cuts  otf  the  ear  of  Malcus,  for  which  action  he  is  re- 
proved by  Jesus,  who  heals  the  v/ound  225 

Our  Saviour  questions  the  officers  on  the  subject  of  his 
beuig  taken  into  custody  ih. 

A  young  man  who  was  seized  by  the  soldiers,  escapeswith- 
out  his  garment  22(5 

Jesus  is  conducted  to  the  house  of  Annas  and  Caiaphas, 
whither  he  is  followed  by  Peter  and  John  ib. 

Peter  thrice  denies  having  any  knowledge  of  Christ :  but  he 
repents,  after  having  heard  the  cock  crow  twice  227 

Caiaphas  examines  Jesus  before  the  chief-priests  and  rulers 
of  Jerusalem,  and  false  evidence  is  adduced  against  him  228 

Jesus  is  conducted  before  the  Sanhedrim,  and  further  ex- 
amined, ih. 

He  acknowledges  himself  to  be  the  Messiah;  and  he  is  cru- 
elly reviled  and  insulted,  and  condemned  as  deserving  to 
sutfer  death  321 


INDEX.  429 


CHAP.    XXXVIII. 

Pag& 

Our  Saviour  is  conducted  before  Pilate,  the  Roman  gover- 
nor, who  authorizes  the  Jews  to  judge  him  according  to 
their  own  laws:  but  they  refuse  to  exercise  the  power 
thus  delegated  to  them  234 

The  members  of  the  Sanhedrim  exhibit  accusations  against 
Jesus,  who  makes  no  reply  235 

Our  Saviour  acknowledges  himself  to  be  a  king  ib. 

Pilate  is  desirous  of  restoring  Jesus  to  liberty,  but  he  is  op- 
posed by  the  Jews  23S 

Pilate  sends  Jesus  to  be  examined  by  Herod,  who  acquits 
him  ^  ib. 

The  Roman  governor  says,  he  will  release  either  Jesus  or 
Barabbas,  as  the  Jews  shall  decide  ;  and  they  prefer  the 
latter  237 

After  endeavoring  to  appease  the  rage  of  the  Jews,  Pilate 
orders  our  Saviour  to  be  scourged  238 

He  shews  Jesiis  to  the  people,  and  reluctantly  consents  to 
his  crucifixion  ib. 

Still  desirous  of  preserving  the  life  of  Jesus,  he  further  inter- 
rogates him:  and  at  length  he,  having  washing  his 
hands  in  the  open  court,  in  token  of  his  innocence,  deli- 
vers him  to  the  Jews,  who  behave  towards  him  with 
contempt  and  insult  239 

Struck  with  a  conviction  of  his  abominable  treachery,  Ju- 
das returns  the  thirty  sheckels  he  had  received  for  be- 
traying Jesus,  and  puts  an  end  to  his  life  242 

Simon  the  Cyrenian,  compelled  to  carry  the  cross  243 

Our  Saviour  predicts  the  destruction  of  the  Jews  ib. 

He  is  crucilied  between  two  malefactors  244 

Pilate  puts  an  inscription  upon  the  cross,  and  will  not  al- 
low  it  to  be  altered  ib. 

The  chief-priests,  the  soldiers  and  the  multitude,  scoff  at, 
and  revile  our  blessed  Saviour  ;  and  their  example  is 
followed  by  one  of  the  suffering  thieves:  but  the  other 
rebukes  him  and  receives  a  comfortable  assurance  from 
Jesus  ib. 

Our  Saviour  recommends  his  mother  to  the  care  of  John   245 

A  darkntss  for  the  space  of  three  hours  ib. 

'I'he  death  of  the  Redeemer  of  the  world  246 


430  INDEX, 

Page. 
Prodigies  attendant  upon  the  decease  of  Jesus  247 

Women  present  at  the   crucifixion  ib. 

The  legs  of  the  two  malefactors  are  broken,  and  the  side 

of  Jesus  is  pierced  with  a  spear  {b. 

The  body  of  our  Saviour  interred  by  Joseph  of  Arimathea 

and  Nicodemus  248 


CHAP.     XXXIX. 

Then  women  were  present  at  the  interment  of  the  holy  Jesus, 
purchase  spices  for  the  purpose  of  embalming  the  body  249 

Pilate  orders  the  sepulchre  of  Christ  to  be  guarded  250 

The  women  repair  to  the  sepulchre  of  Jesus,  where  they 
see  two  angels,  one  of  whom  informs  them  that  Jesus  is 
risen ;  and  this  circumstance  they  communicate  to  the 
apostles  ib. 

Peter  and  John  repair  to  the  sepulchre,  and  are  convinced 
of  the  removal  of  the  body  252 

Jesus  appears  to  Mary,  and  sends  her  to  the  apostles,  who 
disbelieve  her  relation  253 

Other  women  behold  Jesus,  and  are  sent  by  him  to  the 
apostles  ib. 

The  soldiers  bear  testimony  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ, 
and  the  priests  bribe  them  to  suppress  the  publication  of 
the  fact  255 

On  the  road  towards  Emmaus,  Jesus  discourses  with  two 
of  his  disciples;  and  on  their  return  to  Jerusalem,  they 
declare  that  they  have  seen  their  Master,  but  are  discre- 
dited ;  and  the  testimony  of  Peter  is  also  disbelieved       256 

Our  Lord  appears  to  all  his  apostles,  except  Thomas;  and 
after  convincing  them  of  the  reality  of  his  body,  promis- 
ing them  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  instruct- 
ing them  in  the  principles  of  their  duty,  he  breaths  upon 
them,  and  disappears  257 

Thomas  disbelieves  the  testimony  of  his  brethren  259 

Jesus  appears  to  Thomas,  and  the  rest  of  his  apostles  260 

Thomas  acknowledges  his  Master,  who  pronounces  those 
to  be  happy  who  believe  without  occular  demonstration   ib. 


INDEX. 

431 

Page. 

Life  of  St.  Peter 

266 

St.  Paul 

308 

St.  Andrew 

340 

St.  James  the  Great 

343 

St.  John  the  Evangelist 

345 

St.  Philip 

347 

St.  Bartholomew 

349 

St.  Matthew 

331 

St.  Thomas 

355 

St.  James  the  Less 

360 

St.  Simon  the  Zealot 

365 

St.  Jude 

367 

St.  Matthias 

370 

St.  Mark 

373 

St.  Luke 

375 

St.  Barnabas 

378 

St.  Stephen 

38S 

St.  Timothy 

385 

St.  Titus 

387 

Conclusion 

389 

Brief  enumeration  of  the  Apostles,  &;c. 

393 

0M^#M^^^^^^^MU^#MMI#^0^l^#^l^^^#^#^^ll§0l^^^^^#^ 


SUBSCRIBERS  NAMES. 


V»L.    II.  3      G 


0^0^m0^M0t0^0l0m0Jlt0m0^0^0f0^0m0^0^0^^0m 


SUBSCRIBERS  NAMES. 


Thomas  Jefferson,  President  of  the  United  States 
Aaron  Burr,  Vice  President  of  the  United  States 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Mark  Wilcox,  Esq. 
John  Allen 
Allen  Thomson 
Jesse  Green 
Alexander  Johnson 
Andrew  Thomas 
Benjamin  Johnson 
John  Parker 
Harman  Tally- 
John  Kennady 
John  Favvcett 
Jonathan  West 
John  M'Curdy 
William  Courtney 
Charles  Morgan 

Zadoc  Cramer,  Bookseller,  Pittsburg,  100  copies 
John  M*Munn 
Alexander  Carson 
William  Grey 


336  SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES. 

John  Neyley 

William  B.  Young 

James    Quin 

Rev.  John  Bull 

Z.  A.  Tannihill 

John  Johnson,  Esq. 

Robert  Semple 

David  Pride 

Andrew  Robeson 

J.   Crawford 

John  Spear 

Isaac  Walker,  Jun. 

Enoch  Philips 

Peter  Boist,  Junr. 

Thomas  Acheson 

Hon.  Jesse  Moore 

Andrew  Finney 

Wm.  Stockman 

Annomas  Allen 

William  Conner 

Thomas  Hanna 

William  Anderson  ■ 

Jacob  Yoho 

Francis  Porter 

Geo.  Willis 

James  Louthan 

Hugh  Cunningham 

Abraham  Willington 

Abraham  Powers 

Samuel  Adams  , 

James  Coy 

Ezekiel  Jones 

John  Kelsro 

Jonathan  Pepperd 

John  Jones 

Archibald  Thompson 

David  Johnson,  E  sq 

Guin  Grier 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES.  3S7 


David  Bois 
Samuel  Lawrence 
James  Scot 
James  Dodd 
Auther  Frampton 
Joseph  M'Farrow 
Thomas  B.  Clarkburn 
Joseph  Davis 
Thomas  Hadden 
James  Gregg 
William  Laughead 
Thomas  Morton 
Samuel  Sinclair,  Junr. 
Thomas  Plummer 
Robert  Smith 
Robert  Taylor 
William  Elrod 
William  Sill 
Andrew  Howell 
John  Sherer 
Andrew  M'Collaugh 
Charles  Hanah 
Robert  Stewart 
John  Simeril 
Samuel  Jones 
Esa.  Cadwaleder 
Samuel  Parks 
Robert  Miller 
Clement  Curtes 
Rev.  John  M.  Miller 
Moses  Coe 
William  Algeo 
William  Clarke 
James  Ferry- 
Matthew  Barrwell 
Alexander  Paterson 
William  Thorn 
Solomon  Griswold 


438  SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES. 

John  H.  Ad  gate 

Calvin  Austin 

Geo.   Phelps 

David  Mitchel 

N.  Paterson 

John  Hastings 

James  Tomilson 

William  Ewing 

James  Lard 

Joseph  Sharp 

John  Johnson 

William  Aten 

Ephraim  Harris 

John  Philips 

John  Scott 

Charles  Bonner 

John  Beatif 

Georsre  Davis 

John  W.  Hunter,  Esq. 

Ralf  Marlin,   Esq. 

Henry  Hust 

Archibald  Davidson 

Joseph  Woodworth 

William  Clarke,  Esq. 

Hon.  David  Mead,  Esq. 

James  Birch 

William  Wikof 

John  Limber 

William  Hammond,  Esq. 

Jane  Johnston 

James  Ore 

Joseph  Hc.ckney 

James  Alexander 

Joseph  James 

Joseph  Webb 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES.  439 

NEW-JERSEY. 


John  Wister 
John  Smith 
Samuel  Denn 
David  Allison,  6  copies 
Horatio  G.  Jones 
Jacob  Malford 
Thomas  Clement 
Joshua  Broadway- 
Thomas  Thomsom 
Thomas  Hancock 
Dork  in  Nicholson 
Morris  Hall 
Clement  Hall 
Joseph  Dennis 
John  Thomson 
George  Brown 
Thomas  Hancock,  Jan. 
Jacob  Wood 
Samuel  Stewart 
Samuel  Test 
William  Miller 
James  Simson 
Thomas  Bines 
Laurence  Mettz 
William  Griscum 
Ann  Bacon 
Joseph  Hall 
Esther  Smith 
William  Tyler 
Samuel  Tyler 
Joseph  Lloyd 
Joshua  Thomson 
Samuel  Austin 
Richard  Smith 
Henry  Ffrith 
Isaac  W.  Crane,  Esq. 


340  SUBSCRIBERS  NAMES. 

Benjamin  Griscomb 
James  Brooks 
William  Broadway 
Jacob  Adams 
William  Armstrong 
Daniel  Staunton 
Ephraim  Lloyd 
Andrew  Vanneman 
Hezekiah  Esclach 
Michael  Walker 
Michael  C.  Fish 
Thomas  Dickinson 
Ambrose  Ewin 
Major  Thomas  Murphy 
John  Craft 
Benjamin  Harvey 
William  Perry 

DELAWARE. 

Nathaniel  Mitchell,  Esq.  Governor  of  the  State  of 

Delaware 
John  Dickinson,  Esq. 
Dr.  George  Monroe 
Rev.  Robert  Clay 
Rev.  James  Wiltbank 
Rev.  John  E.  Latta 
Rev.  William  L.  Gibson 
Hon.  Gunning  Bedford,  Esq. 
Thomas  Lea,  Esq. 
Peter  Brynberg,  Esq. 
William  Kerr 

Washington  L.  Finney,  Esq. 
Joseph  Downing 
William  Walker 
Joseph  Newlin 
Richard  Hicks 
John  Wiley,  Esq. 
Andrew  Taylor 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES,  441 


William  Williams,  Esq. 
William  M'Conaughey 
John  Reynolds 
Maxwell  Bines,  Esq. 
Mary  Colhoun 
Jehu  Evans 
Richard  Smith 
Rhoades  S.  Stansbury 
George  Whitclock 
Aaron  Paulson 
William  M'Clung 
Samuel  Spackman 
Jehu  Webb 

Hezekiah  Niles,  6  copiea 
Robert  Aikin 
Joseph  Burn,  Esq. 
Joseph  Israel,  Esq. 
Capt.  William  Miller 
Daniel  Coleman 
John  Reynolds,  Esq. 
Horatio  G.  Garrett 
Richard  Reynolds,  Sen. 
Paul  Alfree 

Dr.  William  M'Mahon 
Caleb  Kirk 
John  Collins,  Sen. 
Elisha  Evans 
Thomas  Evans 
Jehu  Evans 
John  Lord 

Thomas  Evans,  hatter 
Boaz  Manlove 
Samuel  Paynter,  Sen. 
Cornelius  W'iltbank 
Caleb  Rodney,  Esq. 
Peter  M'Laughlin 
William  Wolfe,  Esq. 

VOL.     II.  3   H 


442  SUBSCRIBERS   NAMES. 

Daniel  Wolfe 

James  F.  Baylis,  Esq. 

Stephen  Harris 

Levi  Hill 

George  Parker 

William  Burton,  Sen. 

Isaac  Waples 

Seth  Griffith,  Esq. 

Joseph  S.  Collins 

Capt.  Andrew  Morris 

Capt.  Peter  Jeffery 

Ann  Smith 

Jehu  Chandler 

Susanna  Smith 

Samuel  Jourdan 

William  Talley 

Ibbe  Plankenton 

Edward  Worrell 

Charles  Hylliard 

James  Gibson 

Robert  Moore 

Thomas  Rogers 

William  Brady,  Esq. 

John  Fisher,  Esq. 

J.   Pierce 

R.  S.  Stansbury 

John  Garrett,  Esq. 

Outerbridge  Horsey    Esq. 

John  Lynam 

John  Wethered 

John  H irons 

James  Wilson,  6  copies 

John  Taylor,  2     do. 

Mathew  R.  Lockerman,  2  do. 

William  Huston 

Mary  Oldham 

Thomas  Baldwin 

Lulef  Peterson 


SUBSCRIBEItS    NAMES.  443 


MARYLAND. 
Right  Rev.   Thomas  John   Claggett,  Bishop  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Maryland 
Rev.  Simon  Wilmer 
Rev.  Joseph  Jackson 
Rev.  William  M.  Stone 
Rev.  Mr.  Davis 
Saint  Legars  Neale 
Aquilla  Neale 
Archibald  Shearer 
William  S.  Compton 
Thomas  Shearer 
John  Hogg 

Jacob  Towson,  4  copies 
Nicholas  Lemon 
Jacob  Dili 
Ledwick  Miller 
Henry  Crilly 
Joshua  Stevenson 
James  M.  Haffie 
William  Johnson 
David  White 
Joseph  Coulson 
Henry  Elliot 
William  Gather 
Israel  Reynolds 
Elizabeth  Reynolds 
David  Cummins 
Horatio  Claggett 
Gerard  Briscoe 
Benjamin  Sluyter 
Littleton  Langford 
John  Sewel 
James  Cummins 
Samuel  Miller 
Jonathan  White 


TtC^' 


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8S2420.T469V.2 

The  history  of  our  blessed  Lord  and 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00052  2237 


